Ford Motor Co. plans to bring a new generation of steering technology to the market within the next year, officials announced today. The Dearborn-based automaker says the next-generation "Adaptive Steering" system will help make its vehicles easier to maneuver at low speeds and more agile at higher speeds.
DEARBORN, MI- Ford Motor Co. plans to bring a new generation of steering technology to the market within the next year, officials announced today.
The Dearborn-based automaker says the "Adaptive Steering" system will help make its vehicles easier to maneuver at low speeds and more agile at higher speeds.
The system changes the ratio between the driver's actions at the steering wheel – the number of turns – and how much the front wheels turn. In traditional vehicles, this is a fixed steering ratio. With Ford's new system, the steering ratio continually changes with vehicle speed, optimizing the steering response in all conditions.
"This new steering technology can make any vehicle easier to maneuver and more fun to drive," said Raj Nair, Ford group vice president of global product development, in a statement.
Ford's system uses a precision-controlled actuator placed inside the steering wheel, and requires no change to a vehicle's traditional steering system. The actuator – an electric motor and gearing system – can essentially add to or subtract from a driver's steering inputs. The result is a better driving experience at all speeds, regardless of vehicle size or class, according to officials.
The new system is housed entirely within the steering wheel. It will be available on select vehicles beginning next year. Ford did not immediately announce what vehicle(s) the system is expected to debut on.
Ford developed the system in collaboration with Takata, a supplier of automotive steering and safety systems and a Ford Aligned Business Framework partner.
Michael Wayland covers the automotive industry for MLive. Email him at MWayland@mlive.com & follow him on Twitter @MikeWayland or Google+.