The 1980s were a wild time for car design, especially in Japan. It was an era of innovation where engineers pushed boundaries, sometimes just because they could. A prime example of this adventurous spirit is the all-mechanical four-wheel steering (4WS) system found in the Honda Prelude Si. While perhaps not entirely practical or cost-effective, this system is undeniably fascinating and a testament to Honda’s engineering prowess.
The Intriguing Mechanics of Honda’s 4WS
Honda’s 4WS system, as featured in the Prelude, was a purely mechanical setup, quite unlike the electronic systems we see today. It cleverly utilized a driveshaft-like component connected to a rear gearbox, resembling a rear differential in appearance. This mechanism then manipulated tie rods to steer the rear wheels. This intricate system allowed the rear wheels to steer in the opposite direction to the front wheels at low speeds, and in the same direction at higher speeds.
Benefits and Quirks of Four-Wheel Steering
The intended benefits of the 4WS were twofold: enhanced low-speed maneuverability and improved high-speed stability. At lower speeds, the counter-steering of the rear wheels significantly reduced the turning circle, making parking and tight turns easier. The video above vividly demonstrates the impressive turning radius of the 4WS Prelude. However, as some drivers discovered, this system had its quirks. For instance, parking too close to a curb could result in the rear wheels nudging the curb when turning away, a somewhat counterintuitive consequence of the rear-wheel steering action.
At higher speeds, the system was designed to steer the rear wheels in the same direction as the front, aiding in lane changes and potentially increasing stability. While the theoretical advantages were clear, the real-world benefits were perhaps less pronounced, and debated even at the time of its release.
The Cost and the Context of 80s Innovation
Opting for the 4WS system on the Honda Prelude Si came at a significant cost, adding around $1,500 to the price tag of a car already in the mid-to-high teens in terms of retail price. This was a considerable investment for a feature that offered no additional power or significant prestige boost beyond the technology itself and some distinctive badging.
This era of automotive innovation in Japan, sometimes referred to as the “Bubble Era,” was characterized by ambitious engineering projects fueled by a booming economy. However, the economic downturn of the early 1990s brought this period to an end, and with it, many of these technologically advanced, but perhaps less commercially viable, systems like the mechanical 4WS began to disappear.
A Legacy of Automotive Ingenuity
Despite its complexities and cost, the Honda Prelude’s 4WS remains a fascinating example of automotive ingenuity from the 1980s. It represents a time when car manufacturers were willing to explore ambitious and unconventional technologies. While it may not have been the most practical or necessary feature, it undoubtedly contributed to the unique character and appeal of the Honda Prelude, and continues to be appreciated by car enthusiasts today for its sheer innovation and distinctiveness.
