Southfield, Mich. - General Motors announced today it will be the first manufacturer to offer an optional four-wheel steering system on a full-size truck product. Delphi Automotive’s innovative QUADRASTEERÔ four-wheel steering system will debut on a future GM full-size truck in the 2002 model year.

"Four-wheel steering is one of the many innovative technologies and features within GM’s full-size truck portfolio intended to provide customers with real benefits while reinforcing brand equity," said Gary White, vehicle line executive for GM’s full-size trucks. "Although four 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."

QUADRASTEER is an electronic rear-wheel steering system that supplements the conventional front-wheel steering system. It allows 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 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. During low-speed towing maneuvers, such as backing into a boat launch or parking a camper, QUADRASTEER greatly improves the trailer response to steering input.

In GM and Delphi testing on full-size pickups and SUVs, QUADRASTEER reduces the minimum turning circle diameter by an average of 20 percent. In fact, one GM full-size truck’s turning diameter was reduced from 46.2 feet (14.08 meters) to 37.4 feet (11.40 meters), making it comparable to a Saturn Coupe’s turning diameter at 37.1 feet (11.31 meters).

The system operates in three ways. At lower speeds, the rear wheels turn in the opposite direction of the front wheels. At moderate speeds, the rear wheels remain straight. At higher speeds, the rear wheels turn in the same direction as the front wheels.

In real world terms, this innovative technology provides full-size truck drivers the agility of a smaller truck or passenger car, allowing the driver to turn tightly at low speeds.

Other innovative technologies and features already available only on GM full-size truck products include a three piece modular frame, driver message center, dynamic rear brake proportioning, Autotrac active 4x4 transfer case, Tow/Haul mode, Oil Life Monitoring System, 5-link rear suspension (SUV), self-leveling rear shocks (SUV), Autoride suspension system (SUV), 2WD traction control (SUV) and a light weight aluminum SUV rear liftgate.

   - Autoworld.com

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