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Mazda Will Add Torque Vectoring To Reduce Driver Fatigue

Mazda has announced plans to introduce a smart torque vectoring system that will reduce steering effort.
Mazda6 Sedan 1 photo
Photo: Mazda
The Japanese automaker known for its sharp handling cars will employ the new technology, called G-Vectoring Control, to make its models more comfortable on long distance trips. The first model to feature the tech will be released later this year.

Mazda's officials describe the technology as an “electronic chassis assist system,” but it works through slightly limiting engine torque.

Instead of “conventional” torque vectoring, Mazda wants to employ a system that reduces torque from the engine's injection map, and the changes are minimal and imperceptible to regular users.

According to a Mazda representative that disclosed the plans to Autocar, torque will be limited by a maximum margin of 30 Nm (22 lb-ft) to make it easier for the driver to turn the wheel while cornering.

At the same time, the nifty GVC system will help the car put extra weight on the front wheels during cornering.

Mazda says the technology will “significantly reduce” the need for steering corrections during turns, and the lateral forces applied to passengers while driving will also be reduced. As some of you know, the maximum lateral g-force that a car can generate is linked to how well it can handle, so the question arises whether Mazda's future models will lose some of their handling traits.

Instead of softening the suspension, Mazda's tweak could make its models more comfortable by reducing forces that usually make passengers move side-to-side in their seats during regular driving. In turn, these changes will make the car more balanced, reduce squat and other forces that make riding in a car uncomfortable for some.

While the Mazda representative explained that they “cannot optimize their vehicles for a small customer base that desires sportier driving,” the engineer explained that the reduced effort brought by the technology will “free the driver's mind,” thus making the drive more fun.

After all, Mazda did say the contact patches of the front wheels will get a little bit more weight while driving, which will increase the grip and bring more confidence during sporty driving.

Other improvements will include new seats, which will have “generous proportions,” along with a shape that will “firmly hold the passengers.” Furthermore, these seats will reduce the usual pressure points on the occupant's body so that the trip will be more relaxing for riders, as well.

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About the author: Sebastian Toma
Sebastian Toma profile photo

Sebastian's love for cars began at a young age. Little did he know that a career would emerge from this passion (and that it would not, sadly, involve being a professional racecar driver). In over fourteen years, he got behind the wheel of several hundred vehicles and in the offices of the most important car publications in his homeland.
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