Drifting is a very popular sport in Japan and the US, Toyota’s two main markets, which is why the Japanese manufacturer has developed specific models for this type of motor sports, such as the Supra. The vehicles in question are rear-wheel drive, mount “stronger” autolocks to force the “junctions” every time you accelerate and a steering that turns much more. This is because, in driftThe balance of the vehicle is achieved by playing with the accelerator and the steering, the score being higher the more the car crosses.
There are many good pilots who are dedicated to drifting, a sport that is practiced with great exuberance, but for short periods and at low speed, despite the fact that the models are very powerful. Therefore, the public can be closer to the track, to reinforce the excitement of the spectators, and the area used by the participating cars is minimal compared to a traditional race track.
The Supra autonomous drift is capable of performing all the most acrobatic maneuvers, without the driver having to intervene
But good pilots are an elite. For this reason, the Japanese manufacturer asked the Toyota Research Institute (TRI) to develop a Autonomous system capable of performing all maneuvers without driver intervention. Therefore, you only need to sit behind the wheel and press a specific button to instantly become a professional drift driver, even if you are a mere passenger in the system.
The drifting Toyota Supra was originally unveiled earlier this year, but now the Japanese group has unveiled a Lexus LC concept looking ready to go into production. The explanation for this use of racing technology in a series vehicle It is related to the fact that the group is convinced that in extreme situations, when the driver faces an unforeseen event (a person, an animal or another car suddenly appears in front of him) or loses control of his vehicle and an accident is imminent, mishap, A professional driver is needed to save the situation and avoid the worst. And this “professional pilot” is represented here by the software and system developed by TRI.
In the Supra, autonomous driving controls the steering wheel, throttle, gearbox, handbrake and braking system, which can separately operate the calipers on each of the wheels to better shape the car’s attitude. In a production model, like the Lexus LC, the system will have to be simpler and cheaper, but for the most part it will have to act in the same way. Not to prolong the backward skids, but to avoid obstacles and then control the “crossovers” that result from the evasive maneuver. The autonomous drift thus appears as an important reinforcement for the existing traction control and stability control systems. This is how Toyota Supra drift works:
Source: Observadora
