HomeAutomotiveWhat Is G-Vectoring Control and How It Defines Mazda’s Driving Experience

What Is G-Vectoring Control and How It Defines Mazda’s Driving Experience

Since G-Vectoring Control (GVC) was introduced in the 2017 Mazda 6, it has since been included as standard for all its vehicles. While it is mostly known as “the” Mazda technology that aids in the driving experience of the brand’s cars, there is little understanding on what it does, and why it is a highlight for Mazda. In this article, we will break down the points of GVC – from its benefits to misconceptions.

 

How did G-Vectoring Control come about?

The word ‘Jinba-Ittai’ is a saying that is at the heart of every Mazda. First seen in the brochure for the first-generation Mazda MX-5, ‘Jinba-Ittai’ basically translates to “the feeling of connectedness between a rider and his horse”. When put in context of the brand – it basically translates to harmony between a car and its driver.

Marrying the ‘Jinba-Ittai’ concept plus the focus on being innovative and striving to be better, GVC was introduced to improve chassis performance by controlling the engine output; but developed based on Mazda’s human-centred development philosophy.

 

What is G-Vectoring Control?

To put it simply, G-Vectoring Control is an electronic system that ties the power steering and engine control computer together. When the steering wheel is turned, GVC reduces engine power slightly. The resulting effect pitches the front of the vehicle forward, putting more load on the tyres and allowing the car respond directly. All this translates to a more stable vehicle for both driver and passengers.

 

What are the benefits of GVC?

There are several, but the most important is that GVC is highly versatile and can be deployed in any Skyactiv (Mazda’s latest technologies that encompass the brand’s engine, chassis, transmission and car body) model, irrespective of drive system or vehicle type. Additionally, since GVC is a software control system, there isn’t any increase in weight. However, the main points are:

  • Increase in driver confidence due to reduction in steering corrections with GVC.
  • Passengers feel more comfortable because GVC smoothens the G force transitions that suppresses the swaying of head and body.
  • The enhanced handling and stability on various road surfaces including rain and snow gives a greater sense of security to the driver. Less slip equals more traction and driving confidence.

 

 

Why is vehicle control important?

“If you want to get a driver’s license, you can go to a driving school and get basic driving lessons. But those lessons do not educate you on the importance of vehicle control and ways to improve control. For instance, driving instructors do not teach you on controlling a vehicle for better or more efficient driving. GVC ensures the vehicle controls its dynamics on an extremely minute level, not capable by drivers themselves, so that driving efficiency is significantly improved,” said Daisuke Umetsu, vehicle development division, Mazda.

 

Does this mean that GVC is a standalone technology to improve vehicle dynamics?

No, it isn’t. Because GVC ties both steering input and engine to optimise load control, the technology could not have been achieved without the brand’s Skyactiv engine. Both of Mazda’s Skyactiv-D (diesel) and Skyactiv-G (petrol) engines are capable of extremely fast and precise control, which realises optimum torque control requested by the driver’s steering input.

In simple terms, this means that the engineering that has gone into the suspension, body, seats and steering all come together with the system, which is needed to carry the load and reach the road surface.

 

The all-new Mazda 3 now comes with G-Vectoring Control Plus. What does the update do?

“On top of shifting the weight to improve grip and make the car behave more naturally, G-Vectoring Control Plus also works when you’re coming out of a corner. We apply a tiny amount of brake to the outside front tyre to help straighten the car as you exit a corner,” explains Dave Coleman, vehicle development engineer at Mazda R&D.

 

Watch this video to have a better understanding about G-Vectoring Control

 

Want to know more about the Mazda 6? Click here for our impressions of the latest Mazda 6 sedan.

 

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