クルマのミライNEWS

something that the new S-Class Coupé does effortlessly. This driving experience becomes even more exclusive with the curve tilting function, a world first for series production cars: the vehicle leans into bends in a similar way to motorcyclists or skiers.
The lateral acceleration acting upon the occupants is reduced, similar to driving in a high-bank curve; the passengers sit tighter in their seats. On country roads in particular, the new curve tilting function of the Active Body Control (ABC) suspension system heightens motoring enjoyment and comfort. The aim is not to achieve higher cornering speeds, but a new driving experience: the S-Class Coupé glides elegantly through bends. “The large coupé has always been the supreme pinnacle of our Mercedes-Benz model range. With innovations such as the curve tilting function, the new S-Class Coupé once again underscores our leading role at the vanguard of technological progress – which makes us proud", stresses Prof Dr Thomas Weber, member of the board of management of Daimler AG responsible for Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars Development.

the chassis technology of the F 400 Carving, which had its debut in 2001 at the Tokyo Motor Show. On bends its outer wheels tilt by as much as 20 degrees, appreciably enhancing driving stability and reducing the risk of skidding. Electronics combine with mechanical components to achieve this. Sensors measure the vehicle's speed, acceleration, steering angle and yaw characteristics, and on bends send control signals to the hydraulic actuating cylinders of the outer wheels, which are then brought into a precisely defined tilting position. The tyres on the inside of the bend, and also the body, remain in the normal position.

presented at the Frankfurt International Motor Show (IAA) in 1997 as a new vehicle concept which combines the cornering dynamics of a motorcycle with the safety of a passenger car.

Battle against centrifugal force: first tilting function in 1997
Mercedes-Benz engineers have been working on the compensation of centrifugal cornering forces for some considerable time. At the 1997 International Motor Show they presented the F 300 Life Jet research vehicle. The aim of this unusual study was to combine the driving experience and cornering dynamics of a motorcycle with the safety and comfort of a car.
The three-wheeler features Active Tilt Control (ATC). An elaborate electronic system calculates the tilt angle depending on the vehicle's speed, acceleration, steering angle and yaw characteristics, so that the inclination of the body always corresponds to the current driving situation.