General Motors is working on a new system that could make drifting future high performance cars—like the 1,064 hp Corvette ZR1—a lot easier and less stressful. A newly published patent explains how GM wants to combine drift mode with active aerodynamics, allowing the car to automatically adjust its wings and splitters while sliding.
Drift modes aren’t new. Most systems simply send more power to the rear wheels and use torque tricks to help the car break loose. GM’s idea goes further.
The setup centers on an onboard computer that reads what the driver is doing with the steering wheel, gas pedal, and brake pedal. At the same time, it controls the car’s active aero pieces—mainly the front splitter and rear spoiler.
When drift mode is turned on, the computer can change the angle of these aero parts on the fly. It can add downforce for more grip when needed, or reduce downforce to help the car slide more easily. At low speeds, the difference wouldn’t be huge, but at high speeds—especially during big, smoky drifts—the system could make the car much more stable.
Right now, the aero pieces on cars like the Z06, ZR1, and ZR1X are adjustable but fixed once set. This patent shows GM is clearly thinking about fully active aero for future Corvettes.
GM says the system isn’t limited to the Corvette lineup. The patent explains that current downforce systems work, but there’s room for improvement—especially when it comes to detecting and controlling drifts. The new system would work separately from traction control and could be added to “any type of vehicle,” according to GM.
In short, GM is laying the groundwork for smarter, safer, and more dramatic drifting across its performance cars in the years ahead.
Source:
USPTO.gov via CarBuzz.com
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I think they lost me when they brought up drifting in a Corvette. Aren’t tires kind of expensive? Maybe their next patent could be based on improving “safety and stability” during “Dukes of Hazard jump” operation. Another performance driving mode to add…
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