2023 Author: Charles Youmans | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-20 18:41
The world's first technology to enable rear-wheel steering appeared in 1985 on the Nissan Skyline GTS, and years later in several other vehicles that used different variants of this scheme. It was used by the most advanced Japanese automakers, introducing it into their various models: from the Honda Prelude Si 4WS and Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4 / GTO to GM trucks with Quadrasteer and Renault Laguna. In the latter, steering was introduced to all four wheels at once. But in the opinion of many, all these developments were only the development of the very first circuit from the Skyline GTS.
New Mercedes-Benz GLC
This unusual development interested the Mercedes company, which spent a lot of effort to bring it to a completely new level. The first fruits of this work were some S-Class models. The mechanism, developed by the Germans, made it possible to turn the rear wheels at an angle of 4.5 degrees. But then the company modified the mechanism, increasing the angle immediately to 10 degrees. Not to say that this feature was a resounding success, but Mercedes was not going to abandon the models with the ability to turn the rear wheels. More recently, a new version of the GLC, equipped with the same, albeit slightly cut down, system has got into the lenses of photo spies (photo: motor1.com).
This year, there was already one C-Class model on sale with this system. True, the angle of their rotation is only 2.5 degrees. If you have never seen a car with such a function before, then you may be wondering - "How does it work?" If the car moves at a speed not exceeding 60 kilometers per hour, then the rear wheels turn in the opposite direction to the front axle. If you accelerate more, then all four wheels will turn in one direction.
Thanks to this, it becomes possible to significantly reduce the turning radius, which greatly simplifies management in conditions of dense city traffic. Most likely, the future GLC will be equipped with exactly the same system as the C-Class. Alas, but because of it, the AMG GLC 63 will be left without its legendary V8 engine, which will be replaced by a compact electrified unit.
Actual model