Mazda introduces ground “braking” intelligent GVC technology

TWO older Mazda 3 units were tested and compared with the new Mazda 3 featuring the G Vectoring Control (GVC).

Throughout history, horseback riding has always been a mode of transport of some sort. It has also been elevated into an art form then, having a place of recognition in sports, entertainment, and even high stakes racing.

In feudal Japan, horseback riding was largely used for military purposes. This led to the sport of Yabusame, where the samurai is trained to ride a horse while shooting wooden targets using traditional Japanese archery. This called for a symbiotic relationship between the horse and its rider that is developed over time, called “Jinba Ittai.”

In modern day Japan, one can experience Jinba Ittai by just driving the new generation Mazda cars on the road. This design philosophy originated from the legendary first-generation MX-5 Miata, now the world’s best selling two-seater sports car with almost a million units sold.

Mazda designed the MX-5 in 1989 to feel like a natural extension of the driver, just like a horse is to its rider.

As a former program manager for the MX-5 at Mazda Japan, Takeo Kijima said Mazda has worked hard to implement its newest technologies using the Jinba Ittai principle to ensure that the Mazda driver gets the best driving experience. “When the car and driver are in perfect harmony,” Kijima said, “driving is fun.”

When the original MX-5 debuted in 1989, it adhered closely to the core principles of the basic and classical roadster design, but with one important difference—it was also made reliable.

Just like with chariots, if you go too fast on a curve, the driver has to struggle to correct the steering. If the horse is experienced and intuitive, it would know how fast it should gallop on the curves and even on slippery terrain, giving the driver more steering response and control.

Today, Mazda makes its vehicles with the same philosophy of giving more driving pleasure through the pursuit of Jinba Ittai by creating this union between the driver and vehicle.  Thanks to its SkyActiv technology, Mazda further enhanced this unique development philosophy throughout its model range, and has recently introduced its intelligent G-Vectoring Control (GVC) technology as the next step to its evolution.

Whether turning, braking or simply cruising, the driver’s control of the vehicle comes as naturally and easily as if it was an extension of his or her own body.

Previously, before the introduction of GVC, Mazda’s SkyActiv technologies revolved around four key components of the vehicle: the engine, transmission, suspension and chassis. These operated independently of each other.

With the GVC, these components communicate with each other giving the optimal vehicle performance and response to changing road conditions and directions.

INVITED journalists pose for posterity after the test drive at the Mine Circuit in Japan.

The GVC technology further advances the unified feel for Mazda’s newest generation vehicle.

Using the engine to enhance and control chassis performance, this results in even smoother transitions between G-forces in all driving scenarios.

The GVC is considered the world’s first technology to adjust engine torque in response to steering inputs. This optimizes the vertical loading of each tire to realize a smooth and efficient vehicle behavior in unison with the driver on the road.

Handling becomes more precise and there is less need for steering correction. While one will barely notice these refinements, driving a GVC-enhanced Mazda vehicle leads to less fatigue.

The smoother transitions between the G-forces also give its vehicle occupants reduced torso-sway, improving ride feel and passenger comfort.

It also improves handling and stability especially on wet or snowy roads by giving a better grip and stability.

While this degree of control is quite subtle, reaction time of the GVC from the moment the driver operates the steering wheel is faster than a person can perceive. The resulting deceleration force is usually at or below 0.01 G.

Regardless of driver skill, GVC operates consistently over a range of driving conditions.

VARIOUS current model of Mazda vehicles with the GVC feature tested at Mazda’s proving grounds.

From low-speed urban roads to high-speed highway conditions, or traversing winding roads and even during emergency avoidance maneuvers, the GVC provides a very subtle driving aide that can give driver confidence and passenger comfort.

To demonstrate this, Mazda recently hosted a track day for select members of the regional motoring media in its proving grounds at Mine Circuit in Japan.

Part of the activity was to have the participants drive several generations of Mazda vehicles at different courses and different speeds.

It wasn’t surprising that the GVC was noticeable even at speeds ranging from 30 to 40 kph.

It did not shave off precious seconds when you take one of these cars to the race track, because this was not Mazda’s intention.

But driver and passenger comfort was evident, and based on the videos provided during the event, there were also significantly less steering corrections.

The GVC feature will be available soon in the country starting with the Mazda 3 2017 model.