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|Honda's Next-Generation Chassis Technology Offers Enhanced Motoring Pleasure Through Improved Safety|
|Tokyo, July 2, 1997 --- Honda Motor Co., Ltd. has always been committed to the pursuit of ultimate driving pleasure through improved vehicle dynamics, going hand in hand with a similarly unwavering stance toward safety..
As a further step in its development of proprietary high performance front wheel drive chassis technology, Honda is introducing today the following new technologies:
With the incorporation of these new technologies, Honda is setting new standards in chassis performance, with an unprecedented combination of safety and driving pleasure. These technologies will be offered in an up-coming mass production model, bringing a new spectrum of driving pleasure to a wider range of customers.
Technical Overview1. 5-Link Double Wishbone Rear Suspension
2. All New Electric Power Steering (EPS) with Variable Gear Ratio (VGR)
The new electric power steering system we are introducing today is the culmination of our efforts in developing a high performance steering system meeting the particular demands of front wheel drive cars. It features a variable gear ratio, making it the first steering system of its type in the Japanese ordinary passenger car category.
This new steering system can be programmed to offer a variety of different steering characteristics, faithfully responding to driver expectations by providing just the necessary amount of steering assistance at all times. Being electrically powered, it also contributes toward reduced fuel consumption.
3. VSA (Vehicle Stability Assist)
From the early days, Honda has looked at means to increase active safety. It was the first to offer a four-wheel anti-lock brake (ABS) system in Japan, and the first in the world to successfully develop a traction control system for front wheel drive vehicles.
The Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) system we are introducing today adds side slip control to ABS and TCS systems. This new system controls sudden changes in vehicle behavior, giving the driver the time to keep control of the situation. When driving in the rain or on snow, the system stabilizes the vehicle, reducing counter-productive driver tension.
In order not to spoil driving pleasure we have devised a unique system based on the concept of "vehicle stabilization through control of the front wheels". VSA is a simple, reliable system enhancing performance and driving pleasure.