Although it looks quite odd to see the rear-wheels pivot on their axis, (turning only a fraction of the front-wheels) the set-up is truly functional and most welcomed in a vehicle the size of a Yukon XL. During my time with the Yukon, I often parked it in front of my house. For some inexplicable reason one of my neighbors chooses to park her car closer to my house than hers (Rose if you are reading this, I find your parking habits annoying) which forces me to do the forward and back thing a couple of times to get properly settled in. With the Quadrasteer at work, I found myself able to drive in nose first, parking like a pro without the need to reverse more than once.
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| The Quadrasteer system has three seperate settings, traditional two-wheel steering, four-wheel steering and four-wheel tow steering. (Photo: General Motors) |
The rear steering is electronically controlled and electrically actuated. Several sensors monitor vehicle speed and the position of the steering gear. Corresponding inputs are then sent to the rear steering components. A button on the dash activates the Quadrasteer system, which has three settings: conventional two-wheel steering, four-wheel steering and four-wheel tow steering. The four-wheel tow steering setting greatly improves the control exerted over a trailer in tow. GM claims that in this setting, a trailer will closely follow the path of the tow vehicle as if the two were a single unit.
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| The sophisticated stability enchancement system, Stabilitrak, can literally be a lifesaver. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
Unfortunately, Quadrasteer is a $7,500 option and we have yet to see how well the system will endure the daily rigors of truck life. It is possible though, through the miracle of mass-production the cost of four-wheel steering could drop through the floorboards given enough demand.
And once under way, Stabilitrak is there to keep everything rubber side down. GM's stability enhancement system is directed by sophisticated computer software and directional sensors networked with the Yukon's steering, suspension and anti-lock braking systems. In the event of understeer, oversteer, excessive turning limits or loss of adhesion, StabilTrak automatically engages the appropriate brake, helping to return the vehicle to the desired direction. This system can literally be a lifesaver.