True or false: Some sports cars have wheels that expand to provide a wider base.

[TommyVercetti]

Used to hear about this stuff back when I was a kid. This is supposedly a feature, or used to be a feature in some sports car. As the car would go faster, the wheel and it's attaching parts would extend outwards just slightly, and the shocks would slightly lower the car. This was to make it closer to the ground and provide a wider base. Is this true, or just something made up? I also used to hear about cars whose backs wheels can turn slightly to aid in parallel parking.

 

[StageLeft]

Sounds liek garbage, but who knows. In regards to back wheels turning yeah several cars have this feature. Audi used to have it and I know there is a big pickup that currently has 4 wheel steering. Plus at least the 300zx TTs I think had a very mildly rear wheel turning ability, to aid slightly in handling.

 

[radioouman]

4 wheel steering has been around for a long time
There are many cars that adjust the ride height for various reasons (speed, offroad, etc)
I've never heard of expanding wheels. Seems like you would eat up your tires if you did that to them.
But I could easily see some cars with the ability to inflate/deflate tires that would change the pressure to change handling.

 

[fastz28]

Originally posted by: TommyVercetti
Used to hear about this stuff back when I was a kid. This is supposedly a feature, or used to be a feature in some sports car. As the car would go faster, the wheel and it's attaching parts would extend outwards just slightly, and the shocks would slightly lower the car. This was to make it closer to the ground and provide a wider base. Is this true, or just something made up? I also used to hear about cars whose backs wheels can turn slightly to aid in parallel parking.

wheel: not sure, probably not
shock: true

the last part is 4 wheel steering. Several makes have that feature.

 

[jurzdevil]

this seems like a parody

the car may be aerodynamicaly shaped to create a vacuum that would bring the car down. i dont think there are any suspension systems that widen the wheel base. you would want a narrow wheelbase and wheels when you go faster.

wider is better when you are taking turns though.