Description And Operation: Overview

The steering column is bolted to a magnesium steering column frame which is an integral part of the cross-car beam located behind the instrument panel. The cross car beam is manufactured from a combination of steel tension members and ultra-lightweight diecast magnesium carriers. The beam not only forms an armature around which the fascia is constructed, but is also an integral part of the vehicle's crash structure.

Steering wheel position can be moved by adjusting the column upper for reach or rake, whilst soft-stops are used to minimize adjustment noise in fore-aft movements. The adjustable upper column is designed to manage crash energy in the horizontal plane.

The intermediate shaft can collapse telescopically to prevent uncontrolled steering wheel displacement during an impact.

The column intermediate shaft is produced from steel tube for good rigidity. This is bonded to a stiff thin-walled elastomer to isolate road noise.