Abstract: A system for controlling a transfer of torque from an engine to a manual transmission having a plurality of shiftable gears includes a selectively releasable and re-engageable clutch. The clutch is arranged inside the transmission and configured to transmit torque of the engine to the transmission when the clutch is in an engaged state. The system also includes a lever operatively connected to the transmission and movable to shift the gears. Additionally, the system includes an input device arranged on the lever and operable to selectively release and re-engage the clutch. A vehicle employing such a system is also provided.

Abstract: A stability enhancing system for a vehicle having a suspension system including a spring is disclosed herein. The stability enhancing system includes, but is not limited to, a processor that is mounted on the vehicle. A sensor is mounted on the vehicle and is communicatively coupled to the processor. The sensor is configured to detect a dynamic condition of the vehicle. A locking mechanism is connected to the spring and is communicatively coupled to the processor. The locking mechanism is configured to inhibit the spring from releasing a stored energy when the locking mechanism is locked. The processor is configured to obtain the dynamic condition from the sensor, to utilize the dynamic condition to determine whether a wheel lift event will occur, and to provide commands to the locking mechanism to lock if the processor determines that a wheel lift event will occur.

Abstract: A motor vehicle includes a body characterized by a center of gravity, a plurality of wheels for maintaining contact with a road surface, and a roll-reduction apparatus. The apparatus is configured to resist an impending rollover of the vehicle via at least one of i) applying a force between the body and at least one of the plurality of wheels and ii) lowering of the center of gravity of the vehicle. The vehicle also includes a sensing device configured to detect a roll moment acting on the vehicle and having a threshold magnitude. The vehicle additionally includes a controller configured to trigger the roll-reduction apparatus to generate a moment on the body opposite to the detected threshold moment such that an angle of the vehicle relative to the road surface during rollover is reduced. A method of reducing the angle of the body during rollover is also disclosed.

Abstract: A suspension assembly for a vehicle is provided. The suspension system includes a suspension knuckle, a guide, and a spring. The guide is operatively attached to the suspension knuckle and extends longitudinally along a lateral axis. The spring extends between a first end and a second end. The first end of the spring is configured for operative attachment to the vehicle. The second end of the spring is movably attached to the guide and is configured for movement along the lateral axis to vary a stiffness of a suspension.

Abstract: A system for applying a force having variable intensity includes a magneto-rheological (MR) elastomer spring configured to generate the force and characterized by a selectively variable spring rate. The system also includes an electromagnet arranged relative to the MR elastomer spring and configured to generate a magnetic field having selectively variable intensity. The system additionally includes a power supply configured to generate an electric current sufficient to power the electromagnet. The spring rate of the MR elastomer spring is varied in response to the intensity of the magnetic field. A vehicle employing the above described system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A motor vehicle includes a body characterized by a center of gravity, a plurality of wheels for maintaining contact with a road surface, and a roll-reduction apparatus. The apparatus is configured to resist an impending rollover of the vehicle via at least one of i) applying a force between the body and at least one of the plurality of wheels and ii) lowering of the center of gravity of the vehicle. The vehicle also includes a sensing device configured to detect a roll moment acting on the vehicle and having a threshold magnitude. The vehicle additionally includes a controller configured to trigger the roll-reduction apparatus to generate a moment on the body opposite to the detected threshold moment such that an angle of the vehicle relative to the road surface during rollover is reduced. A method of reducing the angle of the body during rollover is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for controlling a transfer of torque from an engine to a manual transmission having a plurality of shiftable gears includes a selectively releasable and re-engageable clutch. The clutch is arranged inside the transmission and configured to transmit torque of the engine to the transmission when the clutch is in an engaged state. The system also includes a lever operatively connected to the transmission and movable to shift the gears. Additionally, the system includes an input device arranged on the lever and operable to selectively release and re-engage the clutch. A vehicle employing such a system is also provided.

Abstract: A stability enhancing system for a vehicle having a suspension system including a spring is disclosed herein. The stability enhancing system includes, but is not limited to, a processor that is mounted on the vehicle. A sensor is mounted on the vehicle and is communicatively coupled to the processor. The sensor is configured to detect a dynamic condition of the vehicle. A locking mechanism is connected to the spring and is communicatively coupled to the processor. The locking mechanism is configured to inhibit the spring from releasing a stored energy when the locking mechanism is locked. The processor is configured to obtain the dynamic condition from the sensor, to utilize the dynamic condition to determine whether a wheel lift event will occur, and to provide commands to the locking mechanism to lock if the processor determines that a wheel lift event will occur.