Coming Technology-Not in a truck-yet

[TxDoc]

Mercedes-Benz Oils Its Caster

The Mercedes-Benz F400 prototype gives new meaning to the expression "on rails." This research vehicle pioneers a new concept called Active Tire Tilt Control, which automatically adjusts front wheel camber by up to 20°. That, in turn, provides up to 30 percent more lateral stability in a corner. The vehicle's handling is further enhanced by an active suspension system and a variety of other high-tech features that could show up on future production models, Mercedes officials hint. In separate news, M-B confirms that the all-new ultraluxury Maybach line will reach U.S. shores during the first half of 2003. Originally scheduled for a preview during last September's Frankfurt Motor Show, the Maybach line will likely now take its first bow at the Paris car show this September.

[AU Chevy]

I saw that on car and driver tv yesterday.  Looks like a very interesting technology.  However, I would be worried about the added complexity, how will it hold up?  Do we really need something else to go wrong on vehicles?

[MarkD]

I saw it too!  Sweet ride!  Capable of 1.2 to 1.4 G's of lateral accel. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

That is in the league of Trans Am race cars!!!

[Guest Friz]

That's neat.

It will certainly help performance cars turn, but I wonder about the complexity of it, too.

If it were to quit with camber set one way or the other, it would make for an interesting ride home!

[ClipperSkipper]

Also explains why Ford purchased Jaguar (pronounced

Jag-you-are) in recent ads, for the Technology. I was at

Ford school (yuk!) recently (paid 4 by Uncle Sam) where

I learned some neat stuff. 42 volt Electrical systems for instance will appear in new vehicles as early as 2006 in order

to meat the electrical demands of all of the new Techno-wizardry forthcoming. In essence a huge wiring harness can

be mad smaller with reduced diameter wires by increasing voltage. You will now have an 18 cell, 36 volt battery.

 

Have a great one!