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Suburban, both 2WD and 4WD models, vehicles with a turning circle charitably described as on a par with the USS Nimitz. Electric motors and a computer control the speed, direction, and amount of deflection according to sensor inputs. At low speeds, the front and rear wheels turn in opposite directions. The result is a dramatic reduction in the turning radius. Last year's 2WD Suburban needed 44.5 feet to create a circle an '03 Quadrasteer-equipped version requires only 35.2. Driving a 4WD model? You'll use 44.3 feet of parking lot without Quadrasteer 35 with it. That's only two feet more than a Honda Civic. At moderate speeds, the rear wheels stay pointed straight ahead. Kick up the speed, and both front and rear wheels turn in the same direction. Lane-change stability is impressive, especially when towing. To quote the Delphi press materials The positive rear steering reduces the articulation angle between the vehicle and trailer, reducing the lateral forces applied to the rear of the vehicle by the trailer. This, in turn, reduces the yaw velocity gain and increases your damping of the vehicle and the trailer system. The net result is increased trailering stability, reduced trailer sway, and reduced driver corrective steering to external disturbances such as wind gusts, semi-truck passing, and road inputs. In short, the trucktrailer combo feels as one, with none of the tail-wagging-the-dog sensation. Remember, the wheelbase of a Suburban is 130 inches, massive by any measure.
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