Brand-by-Wire - A Possibility? 2003-01-0097

The use of active systems offers the notion of common hardware across several vehicle platforms with different calibrations or control algorithms to offer variations in character or brand. The basic vehicle dynamics problem as applicable to road vehicles is described. Notions of what constitutes character are considered briefly. Many possible ‘active vehicle dynamics’ systems are briefly described with a summary of their effects. A rationale for their interaction is developed, and systems that duplicate the functionality of other systems are considered on a cost/benefit basis to arrive at a preferred embodiment for a “best possible” vehicle using the current or near-term state-of-the-art. Where necessary, systems not yet existing are postulated and described briefly.