BMW appears to be exploring a rather unusual way of helping drivers get a car sideways. A new patent describes a system that could briefly reduce the load on the rear tyres, making it easier to initiate a drift without relying entirely on engine torque.
The system uses sensors to detect when the driver is attempting to start a slide. It can then command the adaptive suspension or active roll-stabilisation system to move part of the suspension upwards very quickly. The resulting movement momentarily reduces the weight acting on the rear axle, allowing the tyres to break traction with less torque.
That makes the idea quite different from BMW M’s existing drift-focused technology. Instead of manipulating torque and traction through the drivetrain, the patented system uses the chassis itself to help start the slide.
Interestingly, the system could also monitor the car once the drift begins. Vehicle speed, trajectory and potentially steering angle could be used to determine when the feature is allowed to operate.
For now, this remains only a patent, and there is no guarantee BMW will put it into production. Still, using suspension movement to initiate a drift is a fascinating idea.
Source: Car Buzz
