The Subaru Alcyone SVX , marketed outside Japan as the Subaru SVX , is a two-door, front-engine, all- or front-wheel drive coupé manufactured and marketed by Subaru from 1991 to 1996 over a single generation.
97-567: Superseding the company's aviation-influenced XT range , the Alcyone SVX was Subaru's first entry into the luxury/performance market, and was noted for its aircraft-inspired 'window-within-a-window' side-glass configuration. The nameplate " Alcyone " (pronounced "al-SIGH-uh-nee") refers to the brightest star in the Pleiades constellation, stylized in the Subaru company logo. The suffix "SVX"
194-414: A centering cam which pushed the steering rack and wheel back to the straight-ahead position. The centering force increased with speed, requiring more effort to turn the wheel at greater speeds. Modern speed-sensitive power steering systems reduce the mechanical or electrical assistance as the vehicle speed increases, giving a more direct feel. This feature is gradually becoming more common. For example, it
291-407: A driver a greater mechanical advantage, resulting in its use on larger, heavier vehicles, while the rack and pinion would originally be limited to smaller and lighter ones; due to the almost universal adoption of power steering , however, this is no longer considered an important advantage, leading to the increasing use of rack and pinion mechanisms on newer cars. The recirculating ball design also has
388-419: A driver to control the direction of the vehicle by turning the direction of the front wheels using a hand–operated steering wheel positioned in front of the driver. The steering wheel is attached to a steering column , which is linked to rods, pivots and gears that allow the driver to change the direction of the front wheels. The mechanism may include a rack and pinion mechanism that converts several turns of
485-469: A dual-inlet / single outlet main catalytic converter. A single 2.5-inch (64 mm) exhaust pipe exited the main converter and went into a resonator, and onto the main, transverse, single-inlet muffler with twin exhaust tips in the bumper. The SVX was offered solely with an automatic transmissions, as Subaru did not offer a manual transmission capable of handling the horsepower and torque of the EG33 engine at
582-477: A large wheelbase, while at higher speeds both front and rear wheels turn alike (electronically controlled), so that the vehicle may change position with less yaw and improved build-up of the lateral acceleration, enhancing straight-line stability. The "snaking effect" experienced during motorway drives while towing a travel trailer is thus largely nullified. Four-wheel steering found its most widespread use in monster trucks , where maneuverability in small arenas
679-558: A larger undertray. From 1991 to 1992, Subaru displayed the Amadeus , a prototype shooting brake variation on the SVX, in both two- and four-door versions, which was considered for production. Ultimately the Amadeus was not produced. The SVX debuted with and remained available with only one engine, the EG33 model 3.3-liter boxer horizontally opposed flat-six. This engine was the largest engine produced by Subaru for its passenger cars until
776-482: A little more frugal and a lot more inventive. The car's extra features, which certainly had some novelty appeal, were uncharacteristic of this class of car and may not have contributed much to the XT's sales. In the 1980s, consumers with surplus cash in search of a better-equipped vehicle did not generally start shopping at Subaru. Subaru produced 98,918 XTs, XT6s, and Alcyone's. Surprisingly, only 8,170 of these were sold in
873-404: A low cost press forging process to manufacture the racks, eliminating the need to machine the gear teeth. Other arrangements are sometimes found on different types of vehicles; for example, a tiller or rear-wheel steering. Tracked vehicles such as bulldozers and tanks usually employ differential steering , where the tracks are made to move at different speeds or in opposite directions, using
970-408: A means to directly cause the turn. On the ground, aircraft are generally steered at low speeds by turning the nosewheel or tailwheel (using a tiller or the rudder pedals) or through differential braking, and by the rudder at high speeds. Missiles, airships and large hovercraft are usually steered by a rudder, thrust vectoring , or both. Small sport hovercraft have similar rudders, but steer mostly by
1067-498: A minor update in 1987 for the second half of the 1987 model year roughly corresponding to the 1988 launch of the XT6, a new 6 cylinder model. Where earlier models featured bumper-mounted reverse lights, 1987 1 ⁄ 2 -up models had the reverse lights in the center taillight panel. The front and rear bumpers were also redesigned. In Japan, the original bumpers were used for the VS and VR while
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#17327723756951164-538: A percentage of the torque available to the directly geared front wheels, never to exceed the theoretical "full lock" of 50% rear bias. This AWD system was used throughout the entire production run in vehicles manufactured for sale in the US. A more advanced system called VTD (variable torque distribution), was used on SVX for sale in Japan, Europe and Brazil. The VTD AWD system adds a planetary center differential. The system retains
1261-582: A perceptible lash, or "dead spot" on center, where a minute turn of the steering wheel in either direction does not move the steering apparatus; this is easily adjustable via a screw on the end of the steering box to account for wear, but it cannot be eliminated because it will produce excessive internal forces at other positions and the mechanism will wear very rapidly. This design is still in use in trucks and other large vehicles, where rapidity of steering and direct feel are less important than robustness, maintainability, and mechanical advantage. The worm and sector
1358-810: A pronounced wedge shape, sharing a common "folded paper" design approach with the Type AA Subaru Leone . When introduced, the New York Times called it "the ultimate in jazzy design", in contrast to Subaru's other offerings. Though derived from earlier Subarus, it was less overtly practical or commodious. The 2.7-litre flat-six engine exceeded 2000 cc in the Japanese Domestic Market, thereby exceeding government engine displacement regulations , and incurring higher annual road tax . Subaru's trademark boxer engine with its flat, horizontally-opposed cylinder configuration, enabled
1455-583: A reference to the car being able to travel 805 kilometres (500.2 mi) on one 70 litres (18 US gal) tank of fuel, with a fuel economy of 9.4 L/100 km (30 mpg ‑imp ; 25 mpg ‑US ). Subaru introduced the SVX in the United States in July 1991 (as a 1992 model), following the US debut with a Japanese market introduction in September of that same year. The model
1552-439: A retractable panel, and a remote-controlled infrared keyless entry with security system. Later S-Four badged versions had 250 PS (184 kW; 247 hp). Some later Japanese models also came with upgraded 16-inch forged diamond spoke BBS alloy wheels instead of the 16-inch 5-spoke wheels that was standard equipment that most SVX’s came with. Television advertising in Japan used Alison Krauss singing " Five Hundred Miles ",
1649-412: A special type of active four-wheel steering. It operates by steering all wheels in the same direction and at the same angle. Crab steering is used when the vehicle needs to proceed in a straight line but at an angle: when changing lanes on a highway at speed, when moving loads with a reach truck, or during filming with a camera dolly. Rear wheel steering can also be used when the rear wheels may not follow
1746-568: A speed alarm at 55mph, that could be activated with a separate key. The XT was launched initially as the XT in North America, Alcyone in Japan and Vortex in Australia and New Zealand. The pre-facelift XT was only powered by an H4 and was produced from 1985 to 1987. The 1985 XT was fitted with one of two engines: These engines shared the following equipment and specifications: The XT
1843-413: A steering mechanism called a rack and pinion . The steering wheel turns a pinion gear, which moves a rack back and forth to steer the wheels. This mechanism converts the circular motion of the steering wheel to linear motion , which is applied to the wheels of the car via tie rods and a steering knuckle . Rack and pinion steering has several advantages, such as a direct steering "feel". This means that
1940-649: A version of this electronic four-wheel steering system on the Mazda 626 and MX6 in 1988. The first rally vehicle to use the technology was the Peugeot 405 Turbo 16 , which debuted at the 1988 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. Previously, Honda had mechanical four-wheel steering as an option in their 1987–2001 Prelude and Honda Ascot models (1989–1996) later upgrading to electronically controlled. General Motors offered Delphi's Quadrasteer in their Silverado/Sierra and Suburban/Yukon. Due to low demand, GM discontinued
2037-428: A vessel can steer the ship only when water is passing over it. Hence, when a ship is not moving relative to the water it is in or cannot move its rudder, it does not respond to the helm and is said to have lost steerage . The motion of a ship through the water is known as making way . Boats on rivers must always be under propulsion, even when traveling downstream, in order to steer, requiring sufficient water to pass over
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#17327723756952134-508: Is a two-door, front- or all-wheel drive, four passenger 2+2 coupé manufactured and marketed by Subaru for model years 1985-1991, with a facelift in 1987. At introduction, the XT was the most aerodynamic car marketed in the US market, heavily influenced by noted designer Alex Tremulis . Marketed as the Alcyone in Japan; as the Vortex in Australia and New Zealand; and as the XT (with
2231-430: Is achieved through various arrangements, among them ailerons for airplanes, rudders for boats, cylic tilting of rotors for helicopters, and many more. Aircraft flight control systems are normally steered when airborne by the use of ailerons , spoileron , or both to bank the aircraft into a turn; although the rudder can also be used to turn the aircraft, it is usually used to minimize adverse yaw , rather than as
2328-405: Is also possible. A Hydraulic Power Steering (HPS) uses hydraulic pressure supplied by an engine-driven pump to assist the motion of turning the steering wheel. Electric Power Steering (EPS) is more efficient than hydraulic power-steering, since the electric power-steering motor only needs to provide assistance when the steering wheel is turned, whereas the hydraulic pump must run constantly. In EPS,
2425-538: Is an acronym for "Subaru Vehicle X". The Subaru Alcyone SVX debuted as a concept at the 1989 Tokyo Auto Show with styling by noted Italian designer Giorgetto Giugiaro of ItalDesign . The SVX entered production, retaining its window-within-a-window configuration, adapted from the previous generation Subaru Alcyone with an additional extension of glass covering the A-pillar — which Subaru described as an "aircraft-inspired glass-to-glass canopy." In contrast to
2522-424: Is critical, and it is also popular in large farm vehicles and trucks. Some of the modern European Intercity buses also utilize four-wheel steering to assist maneuverability in bus terminals, and also to improve road stability. Mazda were pioneers in applying four-wheel steering to automobiles, showing it on their 1984 Mazda MX-02 concept car, where the rear wheels counter-steered at low speeds. Mazda proceeded to offer
2619-431: Is normally achieved by changing the rates of the rubber bushings in the suspension. Some suspensions typically have compliance oversteer due to geometry, such as Hotchkiss live axles , semi-trailing arm IRS, and rear twist beams, but may be mitigated by revisions to the pivot points of the leaf spring or trailing arm, or additional suspension links, or complex internal geometry of the bushings. Passive rear-wheel steering
2716-415: Is not a new concept, as it has been in use for many years, although not always recognized as such. Articulated steering is a system by which a vehicle is split into front and rear halves which are connected by a vertical hinge. The front and rear halves are connected with one or more hydraulic cylinders that change the angle between the halves, including the front and rear axles and wheels, thus steering
2813-417: Is not suitable for turns. The angle the wheels make in the vertical plane, known as camber angle , also influences steering dynamics as do the tires. Steering wheel turning is often measured in terms of number of full 360-degree turns to go lock-to-lock . This is when the steering input mechanism is restrained at its mechanical limit from the full right-turn stop to the left-turn stop. Many modern cars have
2910-472: Is so rare that many have never heard of or seen one, leading some experts to believe that extraordinarily few, or perhaps even none, were actually built that way even if it was technically listed as available. With Subaru forecasting sales of 10,000 each year, SVX sales reached 5,280 in 1992 and 3,859 cars in 1993. Production ended in December 1996, with sales continuing into 1997 — and 640 units sold in
3007-741: The EA-82 four-cylinder engine) or XT6 (with the ER-27 six-cylinder engine) in North America and Europe, all XT's were assembled at Subaru's Yajima Plant in Ota , Japan. Over its single generation, production reached just over 98,000. The XT was conceived in the United States for the US market, and debuted globally in the US. After sales began in February 1985 in the US, the XT Turbo 4WD's debuted in Europe at
Subaru Alcyone SVX - Misplaced Pages Continue
3104-548: The ThrustSSC . In cars, rear-wheel steering tends to be unstable because, in turns, the steering geometry changes, hence decreasing the turn radius (oversteer), rather than increasing it (understeer). Rear-wheel steering is meant for slower vehicles that need high-maneuverability in tight spaces, e.g. fork lifts. For heavy haulage or for increased maneuverability, some semi-trailers are fitted with rear-wheel steering, controlled electro-hydraulically. The wheels on all or some of
3201-457: The bushings to correct this tendency and steer the wheels slightly to the inside of the corner. This improves the stability of the car through the turn. This effect is called compliance understeer ; it, or its opposite, is present on all suspensions. Typical methods of achieving compliance understeer are to use a Watt's link on a live rear axle, or the use of toe control bushings on a twist beam suspension . On an independent rear suspension it
3298-418: The clutch and brakes, to achieve a change of direction. Common steering system components include: The basic aim of steering is to ensure that the wheels are pointing in the desired direction to move the vehicle as required. This is typically achieved by a series of linkages, rods, pivots, and gears. One of the fundamental concepts is that of caster angle . Each wheel is steered with a pivot point ahead of
3395-473: The pitman arm , which is connected to the steering linkage and thus steers the wheels. The recirculating ball version of this apparatus reduces the considerable friction by placing large ball bearings between the screw and the nut. At either end of the apparatus, the balls exit from between the two pieces into a channel internal to the box, which connects them with the other end of the apparatus. Thus, they are "recirculated". The recirculating ball mechanism gives
3492-435: The propeller pod only (i.e., Volvo Penta IPS drive). Steering wheels may be used to control the rudder or propeller. Modern ships with diesel-electric drive use azimuth thrusters . Boats powered by oars or paddles are steered by generating a higher propulsion force on the side of the boat opposite of the direction of turn. Jet skis are steered by weight-shift induced roll and water jet thrust vectoring . The rudder of
3589-717: The tachometer , boost indicator, temperature and fuel gauges seen as three-dimensional graphs oriented to the quasi-horizon. The XT featured a turbocharger , computer-controlled engine and transmission, adjustable height suspension and an optional digital instrument cluster. The pneumatic with height control recalled the use of Hydropneumatic suspension by Citroën , and Mercedes-Benz . Other uncommon features included an electronic in-dash trip computer , headlight washers (XT6 only), alloy wheels featuring an inset rectangular shape, pass-through folding rear seats, racing style front seats and available push-button four-wheel drive (later changed to all-wheel drive ). The XT featured
3686-471: The 1959 Mercedes-Benz W111 Fintail, along with crumple zones. This safety feature first appeared on cars built by General Motors after an extensive and very public lobbying campaign enacted by Ralph Nader . Ford started to install collapsible steering columns in 1968. Audi used a retractable steering wheel and seat belt tensioning system called procon-ten , but it has since been discontinued in favor of airbags and pyrotechnic seat belt pre-tensioners. See
3783-581: The 1994–1995 model year, which cost about $ 5,300 less than the AWD version in 1994 and $ 1500 difference in 1995. In 1994, FWD was offered on both the base L model (X33 in the VIN) and on the mid-range LS model (X34 in the VIN) with AWD only available on LSi. In 1995, only the base L model was offered in FWD (X33 in the 5th, 6th and 7th digits of the VIN) with AWD being optional for L and standard on LSi. The 1995 model year L FWD
3880-585: The Alcan Winter Rally, a race starting in Seattle to the Arctic Circle and back. In the early 1990s there was a Subaru SVX PPG Pace Car. It featured a silver to purple fade paint job, silver wheels in the front, purple wheels in the rear, "SVX" windshield banner, roll cage and an amber roof light. It was evaluated by Wally Dallenbach Sr, Indy Car Chief Steward and PPG Pace Car evaluator. It
3977-475: The Japanese market. While the XT was an interesting design exercise, it did little to grow Subaru's sales. The company has seen much more widespread success in the significantly more mainstream Legacy , Legacy Outback and Impreza WRX models introduced in recent years. Four-wheel steering Steering is the control of the direction of motion or the components that enable its control. Steering
Subaru Alcyone SVX - Misplaced Pages Continue
4074-686: The March 1985 Geneva Motor Show , followed by its Japanese debut in June 1985. The XT was noted for its pronounced wedge shape, low coefficient of drag ; aviation influences from the aircraft division of parent company Fuji Heavy Industry; and its host of features, either innovative or uncommon in the XT's class — including height-adjustable pneumatic suspension, digital dash, central locking system, op-art upholstery, fold down rear seat, pod- and center console-mounted HVAC controls, advanced trip computer, and instrument cluster that tilted with adjustment of
4171-420: The SVX ended production Subaru transitioned to a completely redesigned 4 speed unit. The Japanese-spec "SVX L" received four-wheel steering in 1991 and 1992 (model code "CXD" of which 1,905 were built). The VTD equipped versions received the "CXW" chassis code. In an attempt to lower the price for the US market, a front-wheel drive ("CXV") was offered in 1994 and 1995 but sales were less than stellar. Sales of
4268-466: The SVX reached 14,257 in the United States and a total of 24,379 worldwide. 2,478 SVXs were sold in Europe (of which 951 went to Switzerland, 854 to Germany, and 60 to France). Roughly 7,000 of all SVXs sold were right-hand drive models. Included in this number were the 249 vehicles sold in Australia, at a cost between approx. A$ 73,000 to A$ 83,000. 5,884 units remained in Japan. The SVX was also developed and released during Japan's " bubble economy ", and as
4365-461: The US, the XT6 was available in either FWD or with the new full-time 4WD system while the XT GL was available with either FWD or the old "On-Demand" 4WD. The XT6 was fitted with a unique Cybrid adaptive electrohydraulic steering system that changed the level of assistance based on the vehicle's speed. This system did not use a conventional belt-driven power steering pump, freeing up much-needed space in
4462-474: The VX received the new facelift. In the US, all new models received the facelifted bumpers. All wheel drive turbo and six-cylinder models were distinguished by their headrests; base models had solid headrests, where the turbo AWD and six-cylinder models had a large rectangular hole through the center. The 1987 XT was fitted with one of 3 engines 6 cylinder models were fitted with stiffer suspension to compensate for
4559-422: The XT remained low throughout its lifespan. Although the fuel crisis of the late 1970s and ever-tightening emissions regulations had severely limited power figures from all manufacturers in the mid 1980s, the XT's paltry 134 hp (100 kW) wasn't enough to attract serious attention from the automotive racing crowd. One of Subaru's ads from the 1980s read, The kind of car Mercedes might have built if they were
4656-504: The XT6 was given a higher amp alternator . The XT6 was not available with the digital instrument cluster of the turbo XT models. A special "30th Anniversary" version of the Alcyone VX was produced in 1988, limited to 30 units. This version had a white and gold paint job with "30th Anniversary" side decals and a red interior. 2 prototype versions of the Alcyone VX were made in Japan for the 27th Tokyo Motor Show . The "Junko Shimada"
4753-462: The XT6's already cramped engine bay. The Cybrid system also uses hydraulic fluid that is incompatible with conventional power steering fluid (which is usually automatic transmission fluid). This fluid is still available directly from Subaru at a significant premium over more common types of hydraulic fluid . The XT6 has two electric fans to also help performance, compared to one electric fan and one belt driven fan on all other XTs. With these changes,
4850-520: The airflow past the tires and wheels, while doubling as "mud guards." The result was one of the most aerodynamic production cars of its time with a coefficient of drag of 0.29, improved fuel economy , and a quieter ride due to reduced wind noise . The XT's interior used numerous aviation-like features, reflecting influences from the aircraft division of Subaru's parent company, Fuji Heavy Industries . The instruments featured pod-mounted controls for lighting, HVAC and wipers. The instrument panel moved with
4947-409: The amount of assistance is easily tunable to the vehicle type, road speed, and driver preference. An added benefit is the elimination of the environmental hazard posed by leakage and disposal of hydraulic power-steering fluid. In addition, electrical assistance is not lost when the engine fails or stalls, whereas hydraulic assistance stops working if the engine stops, making the steering doubly heavy as
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#17327723756955044-441: The angular XT , the SVX featured softer lines with its two-piece power side windows. Each side window featured an operable section roughly two-thirds of the entire windows size, with the division parallel to the upper curve of the door frame. The SVX featured a drag coefficient of C d =0.29, identical to that of the XT coupe it replaced. European market cars had a slightly lower wind resistance of C d =0.285, thanks to
5141-444: The bodywork's pronounced wedge shape, and extensive wind tunnel testing further lowered the XT's coefficient of drag . Pop-up headlights contributed to the wedge shape, and rectractable button-like flaps allowed opening the door while keeping the handles flush with their adjacent bodywork. The XT used a single 22 inch windshield wiper which tucked under the hood when not in use, and rubber spoilers ahead of each wheel opening settled
5238-460: The capstan and bowstring mechanism) is also found on some home-built vehicles such as soapbox cars and recumbent tricycles . Power steering helps the driver of a vehicle to steer by directing some of its engine power to assist in swiveling the steered road wheels about their steering axes. As vehicles have become heavier and switched to front-wheel drive , particularly using negative offset geometry, along with increases in tire width and diameter,
5335-588: The current 5, 6, and 7 series, as an option. Renault introduced an optional all-wheel steering called '4control' in 2009, at first on the Laguna GT , which is currently available on the Talisman , Mégane and Espace vehicle lines. In 2013, Porsche introduced a system on the 911 Turbo as standard equipment. Since 2016, the Panamera has been offered with optional all-wheel steering. The 2014 Audi Q7
5432-487: The driver can feel the road better and have more precise control over the car's movement. BMW was one of the first manufacturers to adopt rack and pinion steering systems in the 1930s, with many other European manufacturers following suit. Auto manufacturers in the United States began to use rack and pinion steering with the 1974 Ford Pinto . Older designs use two main principles: the worm and sector design and
5529-548: The driver must now turn not only the very heavy steering—without any help—but also the power-assistance system itself. Speed-sensitive steering allows for highly assisted steering at low speeds for maneuverability, and lightly assisted steering at high speed for stability. The first vehicle with this feature was the Citroën SM with its DIRAVI system, first sold in France in 1970. The hydraulic steering system applied force on
5626-461: The economic condition in Japan continued to decline, it had an effect on sales in Japan. In Japan, the SVX was the first Subaru to exceed government dimension regulations with regards to the vehicles exterior measurements. The SVX also obligated Japanese buyers to pay more annual road tax which limited sales due to the engine displacement. The SVX was not Subaru's first car to be sold in Japan with an engine bigger than two litres; this honor goes to
5723-493: The effort needed to turn the wheels about their steering axis has increased, often to the point where major physical exertion would be needed were it not for power assistance. To alleviate this, auto makers have developed power steering systems, or more correctly power-assisted steering, since on road-going vehicles there has to be a mechanical linkage as a fail-safe . There are two types of power steering systems: hydraulic and electric/electronic. A hydraulic-electric hybrid system
5820-541: The end of svx production. It was later introduced to the US with the Outback VDC. Problems with early SVX transmissions included a defective torque converter clutch which disintegrates and clogs early radiators (both clutch and radiator changed in 1993), and had systemic high clutch failures due to lower than spec pump pressure, fluid evacuation, and clutch balance pressure. Several major revisions were made, all of which are included by late 1994 production. Shortly after
5917-399: The final year. In the United States, as well as a Canada, the automatic motorized shoulder belts (paired with a driver-side aribag) were equipped on the 1992-1993 models and the 1994 L models. The manual front seat belts (paired with dual front airbags) were equipped on the 1994-1997 LS and LSi models, and the 1995-1997 L models. In 1991, a Subaru SVX, driven by Ken Knight and Bob Dart, won
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#17327723756956014-456: The introduction of the 3.6-liter EZ36 engine in the 2008 Subaru Tribeca . The previous generation Subaru Alcyone had a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, but the larger EG33 was more powerful and so a turbo was not installed. Internally, the engine is essentially a six-cylinder variant of the EJ22 found in the first-generation Japanese market Legacy and Impreza . The new 3.3-liter variant
6111-442: The lean of the rider and the bicycle: Ships and boats are usually steered with a rudder . Depending on the size of the vessel, rudders can be manually actuated, or operated using a servomechanism , or a trim tab or servo tab system. Rowing may be used to steer rowboats by using specific paddle strokes . Boats using outboard motors steer by rotating the entire drive unit. Boats with inboard motors sometimes steer by rotating
6208-417: The mid to late 2020s. Traditionally, cars feature a collapsible steering column (energy absorbing steering column) which will collapse in the event of a heavy frontal impact to avoid excessive injuries to the driver. Airbags are also generally fitted as standard. Non-collapsible steering columns fitted to older vehicles very often impaled drivers in frontal crashes, particularly when the steering box or rack
6305-435: The mid-1950s, and some German carmakers did not give up recirculating ball technology until the early 1990s. Other systems for steering exist, but are uncommon on road vehicles. Children's toys and go-karts often use a very direct linkage in the form of a bellcrank (also commonly known as a pitman arm) attached directly between the steering column and the steering arms, and the use of cable-operated steering linkages (e.g.
6402-480: The new heavier engine. In North America the updated XT was sold in 2 models: The base 4 cylinder model GL , and the new 6 cylinder model XT6 . The turbo models were dropped from the North American market after the update. In Japan, the updated XT was sold in 3 models: The turbocharged FWD VS , the turbocharged 4WD VR , and the new 6 cylinder 4WD Alcyone VX . In New Zealand, the new 6 cylinder model
6499-399: The path taken by the front wheel tracks (e.g. to reduce soil compaction when using rolling farm equipment). Many modern vehicles have passive rear-wheel steering. On many vehicles, when cornering, the rear wheels tend to steer slightly to the outside of a turn, which can reduce stability. The passive steering system uses the lateral forces generated in a turn (through suspension geometry) and
6596-416: The pilot shifting their weight from side to side and unbalancing the more powerful lift forces beneath the skirt. Jet packs and flying platforms are steered by thrust vectoring only. Helicopter flight controls are steered by cyclic control, changing the thrust vector of the main rotor(s), and by anti-torque control, usually provided by a tail rotor. A conventional automotive steering arrangement allows
6693-597: The planetary gear will send virtually all torque to the axle with the highest speed if not restrained. By using a similar logic to the previous ACT system, the clutch can theoretically direct any percentage of torque to either axle, but in practice the variation remains between 34-50% front and 64-50% rear. This system is not capable of operating in 2WD and therefore could not be used on 2WD dynos as required for emissions testing in some states. This prevented VTD as an option on Subaru vehicles offered for sale in US until passenger car regulations were changed, which occurred long after
6790-554: The preceding Alcyone XT6. The models offered in Japan were the L (similar to the LSi in the US) and the S4. As a result, in Japan the SVX was considered a luxury vehicle and was equipped appropriately with one-touch climate control, leather interior, front seats that were both electrically adjustable and heated, a single-disc CD player coupled with a Panasonic AM/FM stereo system, that was hidden behind
6887-457: The rear axles may be turned through different angles to enable tighter cornering, or through the same angle (crab steering) to move the rear of the trailer laterally. The aim of steer-by-wire technology is to completely remove as many mechanical components (steering shaft, column, gear reduction mechanism, etc.) as possible. Completely replacing conventional steering system with steer-by-wire has several advantages, such as: Steer-by-wire without
6984-456: The rear wheels are steered by a computer and actuators. The rear wheels generally cannot turn as far as the front wheels. There can be controls to switch off the rear steering and options to steer only the rear wheels independently of the front wheels. At low speed (e.g. parking) the rear wheels turn opposite to the front wheels, reducing the turning radius, sometimes critical for large trucks, tractors, vehicles with trailers and passenger cars with
7081-415: The screw and nut. Both types were enhanced by reducing the friction; for screw and nut it is the recirculating ball mechanism, which is still found on trucks and utility vehicles. The steering column turns a large screw, which meshes with the nut by recirculating balls. The nut moves a sector of a gear, causing it to rotate about its axis as the screw is turned; an arm attached to the axis of the sector moves
7178-417: The section § Bicycles . Differential steering is the primary means of steering tracked vehicles , such as tanks and bulldozers; it is also used in certain wheeled vehicles commonly known as skid-steers , and implemented in some automobiles, where it is called torque vectoring , to augment steering by changing wheel direction relative to the vehicle. The bicycle is steered by turning the handlebar and by
7275-609: The standard tilt-telescope steering to keep the instruments oriented to the driver, recalling the same feature on the Isuzu Piazza and the Ford Probe introduced earlier in the 1980s and the Porsche 928 in the late 1970s. The joystick-shaped shifter integrated a thumb trigger interlock for the "on-demand" four-wheel drive. Turbo models featured a quasi- artificial horizon orange backlit liquid crystal instrument display with
7372-476: The steering column. With available front-wheel drive or four-wheel drive , depending on the model year, the XT offered three trim levels, DL, GL (non-turbo, front-drive only), and GL-10 Turbo. The Alcyone nameplate derives from Alcyone , the brightest star in the Pleiades star cluster , stylized in the Subaru logo. The model was superseded by the Subaru Alcyone SVX in 1992. The XT featured
7469-429: The steering wheel into a large linear displacement. Alternatively, it may use a recirculating ball system. The mechanism may be power-assisted , usually by hydraulic or electrical means. The use of a variable rack (still using a normal pinion) was invented by Arthur Ernest Bishop in the 1970s, so as to improve vehicle response and aim to allow for more comfortable steering, especially at high speeds. He also created
7566-460: The technology at the end of the 2005 model year. Nissan/Infiniti offer several versions of their HICAS system as standard or as an option in much of their line-up. In the early 2000s, a new generation of four-wheel steering systems was introduced into the market. In 2001 BMW equipped the E65 7 series with an all-wheel steering system (optional, called 'Integral Active Steering'), which is available on
7663-415: The time. Subaru offered two all-wheel drive systems for the automatic transmission, called ACT-4 or VTD . The first system, called ACT-4 (active torque split) was introduced on the 1988.5 Alcyone using an electronic control unit to vary the torque applied to the rear wheels dynamically based on driving conditions. As an active system, it varied the torque split to the rear infinitely based on several inputs as
7760-656: The turbocharged Vortex Turbo and the non-turbocharged Vortex XT. Initially the Vortex was only available as the non-turbocharged manual Vortex XT, but the turbo version and automatic gearbox came the following year. European markets generally only received the XT Turbo and the XT Turbo 4WD (XT Turbo Allrad in Germany ), where the car was sold in small numbers as a halo model . 3-sp. A/T 3-sp. A/T 3-sp. A/T 3-sp. A/T 3-sp. A/T 3-sp. A/T 3-sp. A/T The XT received
7857-824: The use of a steering column was first offered in a production car with the Nissan Infiniti Q50 in 2013. Steer-by-wire continued to be offered with the QX50 and QX55, and as of 2022 is being offered with the Infiniti Q60 coupe. Production battery electric vehicles in the 2020s that offer steer-by-wire with no steering column include the Canoo Lifestyle Vehicle , Lexus RZ 450e , REE Automotive P7-module -based vehicles, Toyota bZ4X , and Tesla Cybertruck . As of 2023 Lotus , Peugeot , and Mercedes-Benz plan to offer steer-by-wire cars in
7954-499: The use of the ACT clutch and active control, though its size and role are much smaller as it is used only to suppress differential action instead of the complete differential function. When no speed difference exists between front and rear, the entire VTD gear rotates as a unit and torque split is at a mechanical 36/64 biased by the planetary gear ratio. The clutch is incorporated to prevent and suppress any differential action that may occur as
8051-755: The vehicle. This system does not use steering arms, king pins, tie rods, etc. as does four-wheel steering. If the vertical hinge is placed equidistant between the two axles, it also eliminates the need for a central differential in four-wheel drive vehicles, as both front and rear axles will follow the same path, and thus rotate at the same speed. Articulated haulers have very good off-road performance. Vehicle-trailer-combinations such as semi-trailers, road trains , articulated buses , and internal transport trolley trains can be regarded as passively-articulated vehicles. A few types of vehicle use only rear-wheel steering, notably fork lift trucks , camera dollies , early pay loaders , Buckminster Fuller 's Dymaxion car , and
8148-399: The wheel, which tends to make the steering self-centered in the direction of travel. The steering linkages connecting the steering box and the wheels usually conform to a variation of Ackermann steering geometry , to account for the fact that in a turn, the inner wheel travels in a path of smaller radius than the outer wheel, so that the degree of toe suitable for driving in a straight path
8245-474: Was $ 24,445, with the top-of-the-line model with touring package (leather trim, 8 way electronic seat adjustment, tilt and slide sunroof), the LS-L, listing at $ 28,000. This was $ 8,000–$ 11,000 higher than any previous Subaru. A rear spoiler was optional on the 1992 L and LS-L models and was included as standard equipment beginning in 1993. In 1992 only there was an XR model that included the rear spoiler as standard and
8342-549: Was an older design, used for example in Willys and Chrysler vehicles, and the Ford Falcon (1960s). To reduce friction, the sector is replaced by a roller or rotating pins on the rocker shaft arm. Generally, older vehicles use the recirculating ball mechanism, and only newer vehicles use rack-and-pinion steering. This division is not very strict, however, and rack-and-pinion steering systems can be found on British sports cars of
8439-421: Was available with both manual and automatic transmissions. 85-87 XT Turbos were available as either front-wheel drive or part-time four-wheel drive , while the 85-87 XT non turbo cars were only available as front-wheel-drive. The part-time four-wheel-drive system, titled "On-Demand", was selectable by a push button atop the shifter. Like other Subaru models of the same vintage, the North American market XT
8536-651: Was designed and marketed as the replacement for the Alcyone XT and Alcyone XT6 coupes. Outside Japan, the Alcyone designation was dropped, and the car was marketed as the Subaru SVX. The 1992 Subaru Legacy received a facelift inspired by the SVX. The introduction of the SVX followed the 1990 introduction of the Acura NSX and the 1980 introduction of the Isuzu Piazza . The MSRP for the US base model 1992 SVX-L
8633-652: Was equipped with DOHC and four valves per cylinder, and had an increased compression ratio of 10.1:1, bringing power up to 172 kilowatts (231 hp) at 5,400 rpm with 309 newton-metres (228 lb⋅ft) of torque at 4,400 rpm. Fuel delivery was accomplished with sequential multi-port fuel injection with dual-spray injectors. Engine ignition used platinum spark plugs and a computerized management system with "limp home feature", which included over-rev protection, as well as monitors for fuel injection and ignition. The exhaust system consisted of head pipes from each bank of cylinders with their own pre-catalytic converters, which entered
8730-714: Was launched with an optional system. Also the Japanese OEMs offer luxury segment vehicles equipped with all-wheel steering, such as Infiniti on its QX70 model ('Rear Active Steering') and Lexus on the GS. Italian manufacturers have launched the technology in the model years 2016–17 with the Ferrari F12tdf , the Ferrari GTC4Lusso as well as the Lamborghini Aventador S . Crab steering is
8827-510: Was marketed as the Vortex ZZ6. However, virtually none were sold due to New Zealand's fuel options were 91 octane unleaded fuel or 96 octane leaded fuel while the ER27 required 96 octane unleaded petrol. There are only two NZ new 6 cylinder Vortex's left registered today according to NZTA fleet data. In Japan, the part-time 4WD system was replaced entirely by the new full-time 4WD system. In
8924-412: Was mounted in front of the front axle line, at the front of the crumple zone . This was particularly a problem on vehicles that had a rigid separate chassis frame with no crumple zone. Many modern vehicle steering boxes or racks are mounted behind the front axle on the front bulkhead, at the rear of the front crumple zone. Collapsible steering columns were invented by Béla Barényi and were introduced in
9021-616: Was one that included a full black paintjob with black smooth wheel caps and a bright red leather interior, designed by Japanese fashion designer, Junko Shimada . The other was the "FICCE Special" which was a convertible version of the Alcyone with special hubcaps and interior graphics designed by Yoshiyuki Konishi . The FICCE is allegedly sitting in the Ibaraki Prefecture in need of restoration. 4-sp. A/T Part-time 4WD Full-time 4WD 4-sp. A/T Full-time 4WD 4-sp. A/T 4-sp. A/T 4-sp. A/T 4-sp. A/T Overall production of
9118-525: Was sold in four models: the base-model XT DL , the better-equipped XT GL , the top-of-the-range FWD XT GL-10 Turbo and 4WD XT GL-10 Turbo-Traction . Many of the options mentioned above were available only on the GL-10 models. In Japan it was only available as 2 turbocharged models: the Alcyone 4WD VR Turbo , and the Alcyone FF VS Turbo . Australia and New Zealand also got 2 models,
9215-403: Was the only difference from the LS-L. However the spoiler put the model over the import weight limit so it was dropped after the first production run and the spoilers were shipped separately. By the end of its production run in 1996, the price had risen to $ 36,740 for the top-of-the-line LSi, which was the same trim level as the 1992 LS-L A front-wheel drive version was offered on the SVX during
9312-521: Was used as a promotional tool for Subaru, as well as a pace car. While most pace cars were retired after one season, the SVX proved to be such a worthy example and a favorite, and was used for several seasons. It was in storage for many years in the "Subaru Performance Attic" in Cherry Hill, New Jersey near Subaru of America's new headquarters in Camden, New Jersey . Subaru XT The Subaru XT
9409-485: Was used on a production pickup truck, the Tesla Cybertruck, in 2023. Four-wheel steering is a system employed by some vehicles to improve steering response, increase vehicle stability while maneuvering at high speed, or to decrease turning radius at low speed. In an active four-wheel steering system, all four wheels turn at the same time when the driver steers. In most active four-wheel steering systems,
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