Shock absorbers generally come one of two ways: Soft for ride comfort or stiff for handling. Oh sure, there are adjustable shocks that let you tweak those settings manually, but this the computer age. That should be done automatically, on the fly.

Turns out it is, if you've got a car fitted with magnetorheological dampers.

Magnetorheological dampers are filled with oil containing microscopic particles. These particles bind together in the presence of a magnetic field, thickening the oil and making the shock firmer.

Sensors monitor the compression and expansion of the shock, automatically adjusting the viscosity of the oil to account for what the car is doing. Cruising along a smooth freeway? The magnetic field created by an electromagnet is weaker, the fluid thinner and the ride pillow-soft. Swerve to avoid a critter in the road or hammer a winding back road and the shock stiffens to provide a firmer, more controlled ride.