Abstract: An automobile having sets of front and rear wheels, of which one or both sets are steerable wheels and one or both sets are driven wheels. Each steerable wheel is rotatably supported on a respective steering knuckle that is swivelable about an upright steering axis, and is coupled to the frame by a suspension system for relative movement upwardly and downwardly of the automobile's frame. The steering knuckle of each steerable wheel is movable through a ninety degree range between a straight-ahead position for longitudinally straight travel of the automobile in a normal road travel mode, and a ninety-degree position for lateral travel of the automobile in another mode.

Abstract: A self-lifting vehicle features a chassis, a plurality of primary ground wheels, and lifting mechanisms installed in an undercarriage of said vehicle. The lifting mechanisms feature actuators attached to the chassis of the vehicle and one or more ground-engagement units movable downwardly away from said chassis by extension of said one or more actuators to force said one or more ground engagement units downwardly against the ground, thereby elevating the chassis and lifting the primary wheels from the ground. Auxiliary wheels on the ground engagement units enable manoeuvring of the lifted vehicle in a lateral manner for parallel parking purposes, or in a swivelling manner for U-turn purposes. Other applications include flood protection, theft prevent, undercarriage service access, and tire removal.