Is Magnetic Ride Control Really a Magic Suspension for the C8?
Corvette Forum seems to be divided on Magnetic Ride Control. Some say it is great, some call it a compromise.
Magnetic Ride Control has been a feature on Corvettes for a number of generations now. On the new C8 Stingray, it’s an optional feature you can order alongside the must-have Z51 package. Especially if you plan to track your 2020+ Corvette. There are some who claim the C8 is fine without it. And for specific applications, they are right. More often than not, however, the MRC has the advantage.
Magnetic Ride Control only affects one part of a complex suspension setup, but plays an important part in handling characteristics. All systems have to work in unison. Dampers, springs, sway bars and even the tires all play a part of a suspension. But the fact is, Magnetic Ride Control offers at least one form of adjustability. Compared to other performance suspensions that you can buy aftermarket, MRC offers adjustments hundreds of times per second for varying conditions. The advantage of MRC are numerous and are used by the likes of Porsche, Ferrari and other upper-tier supercar makers, even if it is pricey.
One problem some Corvette Forum members have with Corvette MagRide is the way it’s integrated into the various drive modes. For example, as implemented, Chevy ties throttle response to suspension firmness. In other words, if you want sharper throttle response, you’re forced to experience a stiffer suspension. Some members just want the sharp throttle without the stiffened dampers. Other Corvette Forum members would prefer to get Magnetic Ride Control without having to get the Z51 package.
There are a lot of opinions on the forum regarding Magnetic Ride Control. The main consensus is that the C8 is understandably a tradeoff to satisfy the masses, and MagRide is a way to satisfy the needs of most drivers. Could it be more extreme? Sure! That’s exactly why extremely stiff performance aftermarket suspensions exist. But one forum member made the best point, saying, “for years reading the C6 and C7 forums the only thing I came away with regarding Mag ride is the people without it always justified not having it and the people with it justify having it.”
Photos: GM
