Ford Advanced Steering to Debut Next Year

Ford intends to build on the “Ford DNA” guidelines that stress fun-to-drive attributes with its new advanced steering technology, which engineers say can be used across a wide variety of vehicles.

The system differs from the electric-power-assist technology currently used in Ford vehicles in that it changes the ratio between the driver’s actions and the steering wheel depending on rate of speed.

At low speeds, the system makes the vehicle more agile and easier to turn, while at higher velocities the technology optimizes steering response to react more smoothly and precisely.

“Adaptive steering is already around,” Jeremy Rawlings, Adaptive Steering System engineer, tells WardsAuto. “But ours is tailored to our Ford steering DNA, and we’ve got the mechanical and software bits together to get exactly what we needed.”

Ford’s system uses a precision-controlled actuator placed inside the steering wheel, requiring no change to the vehicle’s conventional steering system. The actuator adds or subtracts from driver steering inputs, resulting in a better driving experience at all speeds, the automaker says.

“Depending on the application, you have to change the tuning,” Rawlings says. “But the mechanical bits can stay exactly the same.”

The system was developed in conjunction with supplier partner Takata and is expected to go into production vehicles beginning next year.

Ford spokesman Mark Schirmer declines to reveal where the system will first appear, but hints it likely will be a vehicle in a mature market such as the U.S. or Europe.

“Some markets it makes a lot of sense,” he says. “In India and China we’re pursuing value cars, so you can’t put in a ton of technology into every car. But because (the technology) will be spread across multiple lines, the possibility is there.”

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