Global Viewpoints North America Chassis integration keeps the rubber on the road

U.S. OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers are collaborating to deliver the latest technology for performance and safety, but integration stays in-house.

As chassis technology develops, electronics are being used more and more to link different functions to provide better handling and higher levels of safety. Looking a little further into the future sees the possibility of electric brakes and steering replacing the hydraulic systems that are familiar today. Lower cost and more functionality are promised once safety and reliability are established. Right now, new vehicles are taking advantage of the availability of more capability from proven technology.

At Chrysler Group, the decision to make the new-generation 300 and Dodge Magnum rear-wheel-drive would probably have not been made without the availability of the latest chassis technology to deliver traction and stability on all surfaces in all weather. Chrysler's electronic stability program (ESP) takes the existing hardware, and by adding extra sensors and an electronic control unit (ECU), delivers advanced handling and safety benefits. The antilock braking system (ABS) is the first building block, providing stability and steering during braking by monitoring the rotation of each wheel and reducing brake pressure to prohibit wheel lock. The traction control system (TCS) enhances vehicle stability during acceleration by also monitoring the wheel speed, and then applying brake przessure or reducing engine torque to control wheel slip. ESP adds yaw, lateral-acceleration, and steering angle sensors so that the software in the ECU can compare the driver's intention to the actual path of the vehicle.