Honda’s Four-Wheel Steering (4WS) – chassis is the kind of technology that makes you wonder how people ever rode without it. This system allows the rear wheels to turn in the opposite or the same direction as the front wheels, depending on speed. As the meme goes, “Turning the wrong way? Not with this technology!”
Benefits of the 4WS
- Improved maneuverability. The system allows the vehicle to turn in tighter spaces, which is especially useful when parking or in urban environments.
- Stability at high speeds. When driving at high speeds, the rear axle wheels turn in the same direction as the front axle wheels to improve stability and reduce the risk of skidding.
- Reduced turning radius. By turning the rear wheels, the turning radius becomes smaller, making maneuvering easier.
How did it begin?
It all started back in the 80’s when Honda engineers realized that handling and stability could be taken to a new level. In 1987, Honda introduced the world to its first model with this technology – the 3rd generation Prelude. At the time, it was a true technological “flex”. For the first time, the rear wheels started not just rolling, but working! They could turn up to 5 degrees in the opposite direction from the front wheels at low speeds (for easier parking and maneuvers) and up to 1.5 degrees in the same direction at high speeds (for stability).
The 4WS system was especially useful when driving on winding roads and at high speeds – the car literally “crashed” into corners with such precision that rivals on race tracks were envious, and Honda owners bragged to their friends with the phrase “look how it steers!”. By the way, the 4WS system was so advanced that competitors started scratching their heads and trying to create something similar.
Working principle of the 4WS
- The Sensors. Determine vehicle speed and front wheel angle.
- The Controller. Processes sensor data and controls the rear wheel steering mechanism.
- Turning Mechanism. It is usually a hydraulic or electric actuator that changes the angle of the rear wheels depending on the controller’s command.
Modes of operation
To put it quite simply:
- At low speeds (up to 40 km/h), the rear wheels turn in the opposite direction from the front wheels. This gives you a turning radius like a bus with small children, only without having to reverse five times.
- At high speeds (above 40 km/h), the rear wheels turn slightly in the same direction as the front wheels. This makes it feel like you’re piloting an airplane flying around a track – turns are smooth and incredibly precise.
Honda introduced this system into its models for a reason. It wanted to raise the bar by showing that cars can be not only fast, but also really “sharp” to drive. It was a kind of answer to the question, “Why not make every trip, even to the supermarket, fun?”.
Cars with 4WS from Honda
- Honda Prelude (3rd and 4th generation) – this is where the technology debuted, and it was like when Neo first realized he was in the Matrix. Elegant handling, excellent stabilization at high speeds – this car became one of the iconic sports coupe representatives.
- Honda Accord (90’s) – it was then that this system migrated to the Accord, and owners of mass-market sedans could feel like parking kings. Imagine, you pull into a parking lot, and instead of three unsuccessful attempts to enter a narrow space, you do it the first time. Yeah, the neighbors in the parking lot were jealous.
- Honda CR-Z (2000s) was a hybrid sport hatchback that not only saved fuel, but also exhibited excellent maneuverability thanks to 4WS.
Interesting facts and a bit of hilarity
- What’s all this for? Well, imagine you’re playing a video game, but instead of the car turning easily, it drives like a “wheelie cold”. Honda decided that in real life, it should be fun and comfortable, not painful.
- “Parking for the gods” – at low speeds, you feel like you’re driving an electric car in a car showroom. The turning radius is so small that you can almost feel the space around you expanding to allow the car to fit where others would have to sweat.
- 4WS fans joke that with this system, you can park “feng shui” in even the most inconvenient subway.
- The technology has returned in a new format on modern Honda models such as the NSX, albeit in a more advanced and computerized version. But the basic idea remains the same: how to make you not just a driver, but a master of maneuvering.
Conclusion
Honda’s all-wheel-drive chassis is the kind of technology that makes you not just drive, but “dance” on the road. It brings new sensations to driving, making drivers believe that even at low speeds you can be a real pro. Best of all, with this system you won’t feel stranded in a parking lot because the rear wheels want to have a little fun too!