Why does a car lean the opposite of the curve you're turning into?

Question

In Europe, Volvo has developed a car that leans into the directon of the curve you are turning. If it works there then why can't all cars be this way here?

Answer 1

Physics and Economics.

Physics: When you turn to the right, the force applied to accellerate the car rightward is applied at the tires. The mass (momentum) of the car is centered higher than that, so the car tries to twist counterclockwise as viewed from behind -- it rolls to the left.

Ecomonics: To make the car roll INTO the turn, you need an active suspension. Some mechanism must take energy from the motor and use it to lower the suspension on side that you are turning towards, and raise the suspension on the other side of the car. This mecahnism both costs money to make, and also consumes fuel to operate.

So to sum up, ALL cars TRY to roll opposite the turn. That is basic physics, and there is no gettiung around it. But if you are willing to spend the money, you can add a mechanism to force the car to lean into the turn, by applying power from the motor to fight the forces applied by the physics of the turning car.

Answer 2

Automakers have been working for over 50 years to make sure vehicles DO NOT lean into a curve. Why would one choose to do the opposite? When a car is allowed to lean into a curve, the weight distribution becomes unbalanced, making it EASIER for the car to loose control.

A sway bar on the front (and rear) of the vehicle assures that when weight is shifted onto a control arm, that the vehicle is balanced by applying an equal force to the opposite control arm.

Answer 3

Centrifugal force basically. Gravity is pulling you down. At the center of gravity which is about 2 feet above the paving the CG is pulling you down and away from the turn. This is why you get the butt cheek feeling that you are sliding off of the seat when you go around the turn. Next time you are on a major highway notice how they bank the paving in the direction of the turn. This creates a pull that negates the force if you go the speed limit. You will not get the same sliding effect.

Answer 4

Physics: objects in motion tend to stay in motion. When you make a right turn your car will try to continue in your original direction so you feel the car lean away from the right turn. If volvo invents a car that turns like the way you say then other companies will copy it. It will just take time.

Answer 5

Because it needs effort. The more gadgets there are the more can break.