Agility, as defined by Corvette with Active Handling.

Taking one of the world’s premier sports cars to the next level of performance is not an easy task, or one we take lightly. Corvette owners are enthusiasts, and when we consider enhancing their driving experience, we do so with the knowledge that we must do exactly that. Esoteric engineering exercises that result in little or no benefit to the driver have no place in the Corvette mission.

What Is Active Handling?

Corvette Active Handling is the logical next step in the evolution of enhanced chassis control systems like ABS brakes and traction control. The Active Handling System activates when there is a significant difference between how the driver intends for the car to corner and how the car is actually cornering. Working with the ABS, it automatically applies any of the four brakes to help actively control the situation.

The Tough Part, Really, Is the Human part.

The thing we’ve learned about Corvette drivers is that it’s not only the car’s performance that they love, but it’s being in control too. Active Handling had to be developed to enhance the driver’s control without being intrusive. Before we could create the algorithms for the software, we had to drive thousands of miles, anticipating virtually every driving situation imaginable, not only on dry roads, but on wet and snowy roads, too. This is what we mean by the human part. Computers are great. But you have to collect accurate data and set up the computers properly to deliver the kind of driving experience that a Corvette driver demands.

Agility and Subtlety for the Real World.

The Corvette Active Handling System offers amazing agility for the kinds of situations you encounter in real-world driving. Imagine a sudden lane change on a wet road surface to avoid an unexpected hazard – like a huge pothole. Let’s say you turn the wheel sharply to the left to avoid it. This input, combined with the low-traction surface, could exceed the limits of the traction available to the front wheels, causing “understeer,” allowing the car to “plow” straight ahead. In this situation, Corvette Active Handling will work to help correct the car’s understeer condition by automatically applying the left rear brake, coaxing the car to the left. Of course, an aftereffect of this maneuver could be that the tail of the car may actually start to swing out the other way in a classic “oversteer” condition. The subtlety of Corvette with Active handling is that it responds to this natural overreaction and brings the rear of the car back in line. And while we love pushing the Corvette to its driving limits, Active Handling is there to compensate for our overeagerness.