Abstract: Improved methods of controlling the stability of a vehicle are provided via the cooperative operation of vehicle stability control systems such as an Active Yaw Control system, Antilock Braking System, and Traction Control System. These methods use recognition of road surface information including the road friction coefficient (mu), wheel slippage, and yaw deviations. The methods then modify the settings of the active damping system and/or the distribution of drive torque, as necessary, to increase/reduce damping in the suspension and shift torque application at the wheels, thus preventing a significant shift of load in the vehicle and/or improving vehicle drivability and comfort. The adjustments of the active damping system or torque distribution temporarily override any characteristics that were pre-selected by the driver.

Abstract: A method and system for inhibiting torque steer in a vehicle equipped with steerable wheels that are power driven. The method determines a maximum engine torque limit, determines an estimated driver-desired torque, and controls the actual torque, by adjustment of the throttle angle, to be the smaller of the maximum engine torque limit and the estimated driver-desired torque. Sensors measure steering angle and transmission gear position and a calculator determines the maximum engine torque limit based upon the steering angle and transmission gear position. Further sensors measure engine speed, throttle angle, and atmospheric pressure, and a calculator estimates driver-desired torque based upon the measured engine speed, throttle angle, and atmospheric pressure. A comparator selects the lower of the maximum engine torque limit and the driver-desired engine torque and uses the selected torque to control throttle angle to inhibit torque steer.