Is GM Using ABS Parts for the C8’s Front-end Lift?

We knew the C8 has a GPS-based front-lift system, but Jalopnik has a cool theory about the parts GM used to make it work.

We’ve all been in that position where we pray our car’s lip doesn’t scrape. It’s nerve-racking. We came in too hot and made some risky moves. But the 2020 C8 Corvette puts all of that to rest. Thanks to a repurposed ABS unit, for the first time ever, the Corvette has a front-end lift.

Now you can roll up to Cars & Coffee in style without fear. Last July, Jalopnik reported that Chevrolet even incorporated GPS and automatic hydraulics functionality. That means you never again have to worry about avoiding those pesky speed bumps. With every use, the vehicle will ask if you would like to save the location. And with the single press of a button, your preset is saved. In total, the system can save up 1,000 locations. From that point on, the car will do it for you. Super high-tech, we know.

The feature was designed to allow drivers to traverse steep inclines and speed bumps with relative ease. Pulling into your driveway won’t be the same old hassle anymore. Gone are the days of choosing your ride high and having to “just deal with it.” Typically this is a feature reserved for high-end supercars. But to find it on a $67k sports car is truly revolutionary.

And now, Jalopnik reveals just how Chevrolet is getting this ground-breaking technology into the new Corvette in an ingenious way that repurposes existing components while cutting costs.

How it Works

Chevrolet “took advantage of the data available on the CAN-BUS and interfaced the control module for the front axle lift with the GPS location data that the vehicle collects for the navigation system,” says Jalopnik. “Using that data they are able to add a unique element to the front axle lift by saving locations where the car needs to go up, which should make it more convenient for owners that consistently visit locations that require it.”

And so long as the driver is traveling at 24 mph or less, at memorized locations the vehicle will engage the feature without user input. Really cool.

The corvette achieves this via a small module bracketed to the subframe. The component, which looks very similar to an ABS module, actually shares many of its parts. Chevrolet, in partnership with BWI, slightly modified the units to function as part of a lift package available on the 2LT and 3Lt trims. Upon user command, the module forces hydraulic fluid into chambers at the bottom of the axle-lift dampers, creating lift.

“Chevrolet engineers explored multiple options for implementing front axle lift and decided that hydraulic was the way to go,” reports Jalopnik. As a result, they decided to keep it simple. “Instead of sourcing new pumps or replicating what their competitors use, they decided to use a block similar to what is used on ABS systems for some cars and just re-purpose it,” adds Jalopnik.

The hydraulic fluid in the module is the same as you would find in any standard braking system; DOT 4 fluid. And, concerns that the fluid may overheat are non-existent at Chevrolet. 

“[Chevrolet] equipped their track tester with the axle lift type dampers and only saw the temperatures of the dampers rise to around 100 degrees Celsius, which is less than half of the boiling point of DOT4 fluid,” says Jalopnik. “So, getting anywhere close to boiling the fluid is very unlikely.”

On top of this, the system will not require regular maintenance. Drivers can rest assured that the fluid will remain clean and functioning for the life of the vehicle.

Cost Savings

One benefit of this repurposing is that repair costs will be relatively cheap, should they be needed. Using existing technology means market familiarity and cost reduction when compared to a newer, more complex system.

Another advantage of using ABS parts is that it contains a motor supplied by BWI. Also, BWI worked with Chevrolet in creating the dampers for the C8 Corvette. Essentially, Chevrolet was able to partner with BWI in designing the entire lift system. This eased production and led to cost savings.

When all is said and done, this technology allows the vehicle to lift its front end by 40 mm or 1.6 inches. That may not sound like much, but oftentimes, that’s all you need. The entire process takes only 2.8 seconds.

All in all, this is a big step forward for both consumers and manufacturers. Having technology like this in such a simple and cost-effective manner is a win-win for everyone.

Photos: Chevrolet

.