The most important 4-wheel models in history

Rear wheels are again a modern topic, but the idea is not new at all, and it is not surprising that Japan is the birthplace of this technology. Actively rotating rear wheels were introduced in 1985, with the Nissan R31 Skyline being the first car to feature this technology, and for many years this model has been a symbol of innovation and bold technical solutions. But swivel rear wheels are getting really popular with the 1987 Honda Prelude, which is sold all over the world.

Then interest in this system disappears, and the negative attitude is reinforced by the higher cost of repairing the rear swivel wheels. Decades later, engineers realized that as cars get bigger and heavier, it would be better to make them more agile and revive active steering rear wheels. We present to you a selection of the 10 most important models with this technology from Autocar magazine.

BMW 850 CSi

Why is 850 CSi so cheap today? The permanently malfunctioning rear swivel wheel system is prohibitively expensive to repair. The rest of the car is powered by a 5,6-liter V12 engine, and BMW Motorsport experts are also contributing to its creation.

Honda Prelude

This is a four-wheel steer model. The car made a U-turn with a radius of only 10 meters, but insurers always wanted a higher premium as damage to the rear steering system was always severe in a rear-end collision.

mazda xedos 9

Mazda's quasi-luxury sub-brand had some success with its 6 and 9 models, with the latter, which was also larger, selling very well.

Lamborghini Governance

The all-wheel drive system appeared in the Aventador S, Lamborghini underscored this seriously and then carried it over to the Urus. This system is very important for the creation of a sport utility vehicle in, say, Italy.

Mitsubishi 3000 GT

This model is seriously loaded with technology: active aerodynamic elements, 4x4, adaptive suspension, two turbines and, of course, four steerable wheels. But he never managed to outperform rivals BMW and Porsche.

Ford F-150 Platinum ZF

With a vehicle measuring 5,8 meters in length and a turning radius of 14 meters, everyone needs help parking and maneuvering in tight spaces. That's why the latest F-150 gets an all-wheel drive system from ZF.

Porsche 911 GT3

The 918 Spyder is the brand's first model with swivel rear wheels, but the real market is the 911 GT3 model 991. And the cool thing is, if you don't know this system is on board, you might not notice it working.

Ferrari F12tdf

With nearly 800 horsepower, the F12tdf needs better tire performance. This is where ZF debuted a rear-wheel steering system called "virtual short wheelbase", which adds just 5 kg to the vehicle's weight.

Renault Megane RS

Renault Sport engineers are using Renault's latest generation 4Control system to make the hot hatch even more fun to drive on the track. Compared to a car without this system, the steering angle is reduced by 40%.

Nissan 300ZX

In the early 1990s, Nissan found it difficult to convince buyers that the Micra could compete with Porsche. The 300 ZX hasn't had much success in this area, and its four-wheel steering system has received mixed reviews.