(10-04-2013 05:53pm)tccm1123 Wrote: I also understand that typically one operates the vehicle in "normal" mode which renders the same performance as non-magneride enabled models.
Oooh, no. Definitely NOT the same performance as non-Mag vehicles. It is a completely different way the 'shock absorbers' work - one of the LR presentations showed a graph to compare the parameters of standard gas/oil/spring suspension and that of the Mag suspension. It was quite apparent that the standard suspension is setup as a compromise across all expected terrains because it is a fixed system, whereas the Mag suspension can adapt by sensing the terrain and changing the fluid dynamics of the shock absorbers so they are anywhere from soft and spongey, to rock hard and unforgiving. You do nothing in Normal mode, just let the system sense the car and change the dynamics of the system.
However in AD mode, it tends to narrow the parameters of the Mag suspension, so you lose most of the soft and spongey end and gain much more of the firm end. This then eliminates much body roll, and also the steering and IIRC the throttle laws are also changed to alter the driving experience. And it also switches on the red dials - the most important part of the system!!