- Standard torque vectoring control enhances cornering performance and provides increased driver confidence
- Employing slight braking force to increase vehicle stability in curves, torque vectoring control will please enthusiast drivers
LOS ANGELES, Jan. 24, 2011 When it was introduced in 1998, the original Ford Focus brought new levels of agility and responsiveness to the small-car segment. The new Focus aims to raise the benchmark once again, targeting class-leading driving quality that blends outstanding steering precision and road feedback with significantly improved refinement and ride control.
To achieve this goal, the new Focus employs the latest chassis technology including standard torque vectoring control optimized through meticulous tuning by the experienced Ford vehicle dynamics team. This new feature helps to improve cornering stability and agility.
Torque vectoring control will please enthusiasts and increase confidence for drivers with less experience, said Mark Rushbrook, vehicle dynamics manager.
More typically found on high-performance cars, the torque vectoring control system uses the cars brakes to imitate the effect of a limited-slip differential, constantly balancing the distribution of engine torque between the front wheels during cornering, resulting in improved grip and steering and a reduced chance of understeer.
The system operates using the cars stability control module and monitors the vehicle 100 times per second. As the car accelerates through a corner, the system detects when the front inside wheel is starting to slip and applies an imperceptible amount of braking to the wheel. This prevents wheel spin and has the effect of transferring engine torque to the outside wheel, which has more grip, thus maintaining traction and steering control.
Unlike a traction control system that reduces engine power, the intervention from torque vectoring control is extremely subtle and may not even be noticed by the driver.
When driving in a sporty manner through curves, torque vectoring control makes the car feel smaller and more agile, with a faster reaction to steering inputs, said Rushbrook. The handling characteristics will delight experienced and enthusiastic drivers but also will provide less-experienced drivers with increased confidence and control, especially in slippery driving conditions.
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About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 163,000 employees and about 70 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit www.ford.com.