Ford Announces New Adaptive Steering Technology
Within the next year, Ford hopes its vehicles will be easier to maneuver and more fun to drive.
It plans to achieve that with adaptive steering that will change the ratio between the driver’s actions at the steering wheel and how much the front wheels turn. In traditional vehicles this ratio is fixed, but the company’s new adaptive steering system will see the ratio continually changing with vehicle speed, optimizing the steering response in all conditions.
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For example, while at lower speeds, the new system makes the vehicle more agile and easier to turn into a parking space while at highway speeds, the system will optimize the steering response so that the vehicle can react more smoothly and precisely to driver input. In addition, adaptive steering can help the driver feel more comfortable and can make any drive more enjoyable.
The new system uses a precision-controlled actuator that is placed inside the steering wheel so changes to the vehicle’s steering system aren’t required. The system was developed in collaboration with automotive steering and safety systems supplier Takata.
GALLERY: Ford Adaptive Steering
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Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
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what if your rear tire blows and you need to emergency countersteer at highway speed?