Next generation of QUADRASTEER?

[TxDoc]

Delphi Wins Two New Major QUADRASTEER? Programs

Next generation of QUADRASTEER? slated for two future truck programs

 

Release Date: June 11, 2002

 

TROY, Mich. -- Delphi Corporation (NYSE: DPH) announced today it has been awarded two major new contracts for the next generation of QUADRASTEER? called QUADRASTEER ES? for Enhanced Stability. These high volume programs represent sales revenue totaling more than $300 million annually.

 

Delphi debuted the first ever by-wire four-wheel steering system called QUADRASTEER last year on the GMC Sierra Denali. QUADRASTEER is available on several other GM trucks including the 2002 GMC Sierra and Chevy Silverado 1/2- ton, extended cab short box trucks. In addition, QUADRASTEER will be available on 2003 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra 1500HD short box crew cabs, and Chevrolet Suburban and GMC Yukon XL 3/4-ton full-size sport utility vehicles.

 

"These two new programs reinforce strong early customer acceptance of this technology and further solidify Delphi's leadership position in the four wheel steering market," stated Robert J. Remenar, president of Delphi Steering Systems. "QUADRASTEER ES, active rear steering, is the next step in four wheel steering technology. While QUADRASTEER provides immense benefits in the area of towing and maneuverability, QUADRASTEER ES takes another leap in vehicle safety by introducing steering into stability control, expanding the list of technologies available from Delphi to help reduce the possibility of vehicle rollover."

 

In addition to steering the rear of the vehicle based on a predetermined set of algorithms (mathematical formulas) that account for vehicle speed and the driver's steering wheel position, QUADRASTEER ES continuously adjusts the angle of the rear wheels to accommodate for various road conditions and vehicle yaw, or rotational motion. By responding in milliseconds to changes in the road surface and vehicle state this active rear steering provides a new level of predictive stability in directional control.

 

"Loss of directional control is a primary cause of rollovers," explains Remenar. "By bringing rear steering into the equation, QUADRASTEER ES constantly helps reduce loss of directional control before the driver even realizes the vehicle might become unstable."

 

QUADRASTEER ES provides all of the benefits of the current QUADRASTEER system including revolutionary maneuverability. A full size truck with QUADRASTEER can turn as tightly as a compact car. In fact, the GMC Sierra Denali's turn circle diameter with QUADRASTEER is reduced by nearly 20%, from 46.2 feet down to 37.4 feet, which is the same as a Saturn Coupe.

 

QUADRASTEER ES will also give the same added control to full-size vehicle drivers that trailer. During low-speed towing maneuvers, the trailer follows the true vehicle path much more closely than with two-wheel steering. When backing a trailer, rear wheel steering greatly improves the trailer response to steering inputs, making it easier to place the trailer into position into a boat launch or campsite.

 

At higher speeds, trailering stability is significantly enhanced. The rear steering increases trailering stability, reduces trailer sway and reduces driver corrective steering to external disturbances such as wind gusts, semi- truck passing and irregular road surfaces.

 

As QUADRASTEER market penetration increases, QUADRASTEER continues to be a more desirable and affordable option for all consumers. Delphi's breadth of vehicle integration experience gives it the ability to work with any vehicle program requirements including a variety of suspension types.

[CapnDean]

But can you still cut donuts?

 

I have always wanted to drive a vehicle that had this....anybody got anything to say about it?  I remember Honda tried RWS in the prelude years ago...I thought they abandoned it though.

 

I once flipped an NC2 because the 4 wire picked the steering wheels off the ground.  Can anybody decipher that one?

 

CapnDean

[TxDoc]

Driving is believing!  In 1988 Honda became the first auto maker to introduce four-wheel steering, in its compact Prelude sedan. About the same time GM was showcasing a much more advanced version of four wheel steering in its Blazer XT-1 concept vehicle. The Prelude's purely mechanical setup didn't provide much benefit in the already nimble car. Advantages paled in comparison to its cost and complexity. The promised improvements in maneuverability and handling were real enough, but sport coupes managed to handle and maneuver very well without this feature.

 

Mazda, Honda and Mitsubishi had different systems from Delphi and Quadrasteer. In a full-size truck, the difference is easyto see with the system engaged or not engaged.