General Motors says it will offer Delphi Automotive System's revolutionary 4-wheel steering system on a full-size truck product next year as a 2002 model.
Gary White, the vehicle line executive for GM's full-size trucks, says that, "Although 4-wheel-steering has been available in car applications, this is the first application in trucks. This option will provide customers unprecedented maneuverability in a full-size truck."
Delphi has said the system will likely to priced as a "premium option," which probably means somewhere in the $3,000 price range in Canada.
In GM and Delphi testing on full-size pickups and SUVs, the Quadrasteer systemreduces the minimum turning circle diameter by an average of 20 percent. "In fact," says White, "one GM full-size truck's turning diameter was reduced from 14.08 meters 11.40 meters, making it comparable to a Saturn Coupe's turning diameter at 11.31 meters."
White explains that Quadrasteer is an electronic rear-wheel steering system that supplements the conventional front-wheel steering system by allowing for greater maneuverability while driving or trailering at low speeds while improving stability, handling and control at higher speeds.
"The system also enhances vehicle stability at highway speeds," White notes, "as it helps the driver compensate for wind turbulence encountered when the vehicle is passed by a large truck. In addition, this technology gives added control to drivers that trailer."