Chevrolet Colorado ZR2: Multimatic DSSV

WHEN Chevrolet’s Colorado ZR2 was revealed last week we noted that the big ticket item on the build was the Multimatic Dynamic Suspensions Spool Valve (DSSV) damper technology.

We had to re-read the press statement when we first saw it, too. ‘Isn’t this the same damper technology used in F1 cars?’ we thought.

Indeed it is. In fact, it was used by the constructors-championship-winning Red Bull team from 2010-2013. Then, in 2014, the Chevrolet Camaro Z/38 was the first production car to utilise the damper tech.

Other notable performance cars to utilise the technology include the Aston Martin One-77 and Mercedes-AMG GT. It will also soon underpin the new Ford GT.

Now the all-new ZR2 will be the first vehicle to come with the state-of-the-art hypercar suspension that’s tailored for off-road use. But what is the advantage of Multimatic Dynamic Suspensions Spool Valve (DSSV) damper technology?

The DSSV-equipped ZR2 is said to be equally proficient both off-road (aggressive driving) and on-road (smooth, relaxed cruising) thanks to spool valve ports that can be shaped to alter the amount of hydraulic fluid passing through the suspension dampers.

The damper’s aluminium bodies house two spool valves that provide compression and rebound damping optimised for everyday use. The addition of a third valve specifically for the ZR2 aids when traversing extreme off-road trails whereby extreme suspension compression occurs.

The spool valves also offer increased precision and manufacturing repeatability, which dramatically cuts real-world tuning and development time.

We’ll have to wait and see whether Holden Australia has the bravado to follow suit. Until then, watch the video to see the ZR2 in action.