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Over a ten year period, Honda's new 4WS system had evolved from the basis of a casual comment-a simple idea-to the production of a car that would set a new standard in handling and dynamic performance. Yet, the reason for Honda's technical leadership was equally simple: use a theoretical model to identify the fundamental principle of operation. Once that was achieved, the other aspects of development would follow suit. And in that regard the final outcome was truly an extension of the original idea.
"We were able to define what we could achieve by turning the rear wheels," Furukawa said, "and that understanding proved to be a real boost. Once we had the concept, we only needed to embody it by experimenting with ideas and solving problems."
The theoretical model's significance is reflected in the fact that it is now a popular method among researchers. Simple in form yet applicable to the most advanced theory of control, the model has been used in various studies, including those leading to today's suspension-control technologies and active, left/right braking systems. In that regard, Honda's development of 4WS became the foundation for many subsequent theories of automotive control.
"It was the desire to bring what we believed to the world, and to see it accepted by users," Furukawa explained. "That's the thing that made our R&D process work."
The act of innovating, then, stemmed from the search for ideas the development team could use to realize a goal. Each time they encountered a problem, they had to stop and find a solution. They knew that failures would occur despite their efficiency in seeking the target-that was simply the price of success. Ultimately the technology they had so diligently endeavored to achieve became a product, and it was well received in the market. It was a real benefit to their confidence as engineers.
"When the 4WS system was in development," Furukawa said, "I truly believed that I was creating a technology. But when I look back at it now, perhaps it was the 4WS technology that was nurturing me."
Honda's 4WS system undeniably established a new standard in driving performance, but without a doubt it did something more. It brought creative minds together in a solution that would one day benefit the automotive world.
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