Delphi's QUADRASTEER Provides High Value Solution For Handling Enhancement on Passenger Vehicles

Four wheel steering system delivers improved active safety while providing optimal handling characteristics without traditional chassis tuning tradeoffs

TROY, Mich., Sept. 10 -- Delphi Corporation today introduced an all new version of its QUADRASTEER(TM) Four Wheel Steering System at the 60th International Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt, Germany. The system is specifically designed to offer European vehicle manufacturers an innovative, affordable solution for dynamic handling enhancement and active safety management on passenger vehicles.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20020315/DEF002LOGO )

"Vehicle suspensions are traditionally tuned with a bias for either handling or ride comfort," explains Robert J. Remenar, president of Delphi Steering Systems. "Now vehicle manufacturers can optimize their vehicle's ride and handling characteristics using Delphi QUADRASTEER."

QUADRASTEER can serve as a primary mechanism for enhancing the vehicle's handling performance by using its highly tunable software. Using dynamic control algorithms, QUADRASTEER provides the ability to specifically "dial in" desired handling characteristics. For instance, if the desired vehicle character is for a smoother ride via a softer suspension, QUADRASTEER can be used to help regain the desired handling using an algorithm that dynamically adjusts the rear wheel angle according to a vehicle behavior model. The result is optimized handling performance and ride comfort.

The real beauty of QUADRASTEER is in the way it helps balance ride and handling performance with improved vehicle dynamics, or active safety. This combination delivers value to the end user who wants to be safe but also desires superior ride and handling characteristics for every day driving comfort and enjoyment.

"Four wheel steering separates the yaw and lateral dynamics of the vehicle," explains Dr. Jean Botti, chief technologist, Innovation Center, Delphi Dynamics & Propulsion Center. "This gives chassis design and tuning experts a new degree of freedom to control vehicle motion. When combined with the latest in advanced algorithms, QUADRASTEER allows our customers to achieve superior handling performance while also increasing dynamic safety through active rear steering."

Delphi QUADRASTEER helps minimize over steer and under steer at all speeds, and on virtually all surfaces, even during normal driving, without slowing the vehicle. Emergency lane changes, or elk test maneuvers, become more predictable, more manageable and less stressful when rear steering is added to the equation.

QUADRASTEER can be integrated with controlled braking to provide a more effective vehicle system solution to stability control than brakes alone. Together these systems help deliver instantaneous rear steering control to bring a vehicle back on its intended course and blended braking as needed. This approach minimizes any slowing of the vehicle making the correction less intrusive to the driver. In addition, by allowing steering to maintain directional control and braking to slow the vehicle, this integration can help reduce vehicle-stopping distances on split and mixed coefficient surfaces, such as snow and ice, in a stable, controlled manner.

"QUADRASTEER complements and expands the impact of brake-based stability control systems on vehicle dynamics by improving handling and yaw stability," states Botti. "Bringing steering into the equation allows our customers to deliver the ultimate in active safety combined with a comfortable ride and superior handling."

Traditional four-wheel steering benefits are also maintained on passenger car applications. QUADRASTEER will reduce the vehicle's turn circle for added maneuverability during city driving or parking. The system can also be configured with unique algorithms for improved handling and safety while towing a caravan or utility trailer.

The QUADRASTEER system represents a high value enhancement for vehicle manufacturers using proven, reliable technology. The system features a low cost, lightweight and modular actuator flexible enough to work with different suspension configurations.

"QUADRASTEER is a revolutionary system in our growing electric steering portfolio," said Remenar. "With more than two million Delphi electric steering systems on the road in Europe and nearly two years of QUADRASTEER production in the U.S., our engineers have the experience and expertise to deliver safe, reliable and high value systems to our customers."

For more information about Delphi and its operating subsidiaries, visit Delphi's Virtual Press Room at www.delphi.com/media/ .

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20020315/DEF002LOGO
PRN Photo Desk, +1-888-776-6555 or +1-212-782-2840

Company News On-Call: http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/076666.html