During the terrifying trailer-backing moments, Tosch says, "the negative phase greatly improves the trailer response to steering inputs, making it easier to put the trailer into position.
At high speeds, Tosch explains, "The positive rear steering reduces the articulation angle between the vehicle and trailer, which reduces the lateral forces applied to the rear of the vehicle by the trailer. This, in turn, reduces the yaw velocity gain and increases yaw damping of the vehicle and the trailer system. The net result is increased trailering stability, reduced trailer sway, and reduced driver corrective steering to external disturbances such as wind gusts, semi-truck passing, and road inputs."
Larry Tomczak, director of engineering at Delphi's steering division, points out that QuadraSteer also enhances high-speed stability when there is no trailer.
"Steering the rear wheels in the same direction as the front wheels at high speeds reduces the vehicle yaw required to accomplish a maneuver," he says, "thus stabilizing the vehicle response during passing, lane change, or evasive maneuvers even under adverse road conditions."
Tomczak noted that QuadraSteer is "completely compatible and enhancing to four-wheel-drive systems, and it can be driver-selective or fully automatic, depending on the automaker's requirements."