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01/02/2006
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There is nothing new about the idea of rear-wheel steering but complexity, cost and packaging problems have prevented the adoption of systems by OEMs. Continental Automotive Systems claims to have overcome that hurdle by developing individually controllable steering arms within a modified multi-link rear suspension.
The system is made even more powerful by integrating and networking it with ESC (electronic stability control). Sascha Semmler, head of global chassis control within Continental’s advanced engineering unit, says: “The outcome is truly impressive – the car corners as if it was on rails.”
At low and medium speeds the rear wheels are initially steered in the opposite direction to the front wheels. When manoeuvring this makes for better handling with a tighter turning circle, while during normal driving the car is far more responsive to steering commands.
At higher speeds, the steering control strategy changes in the interests of greater dynamic stability. Now, when the driver changes course, the rear wheels are steered in the same direction as the front ones.
The result is the tangible reduction or elimination of excessive reactions to rapid movements of the steering wheel.
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Author
Roger Bishop
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Copyright European Automotive Design.
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