OREANDA-NEWS. April 04, 2016. The art of drifting high-powered vehicles has become familiar to car fans everywhere thanks to online videos that are receiving millions of hits. The technology company Continental is now combining the ultimate driving experience with innovative technology and allowing even absolute novices to experience driving pleasure just like in the movie theater. The secret? Highly automated, ultra-dynamic driving maneuvers at the physical limits of driving – and in total safety. Continental calls this "Simplify your Drifting" and uses specially developed tire sensors, a high-performance computer containing artificial intelligence software, and a controller that is child's play to operate.

With "Simplify your Drifting", Continental is advancing its research in the field of driver assistance systems and has unveiled its latest test vehicle. "One thing we have learned from our customer feedback and our own surveys is that young people in particular want to experience safe, impressive drifting without having to undergo any intensive advance driver training. Until now, this was inconceivable and not allowed," explains Michael Ritter, project manager of "Simplify your Drifting." "But we had a vision of how, in the future, sports drivers in particular could receive more effective support, and of how even novice drivers could get to experience the physical limits of driving in a fun way. Thanks to a combination of tried-and-tested Continental technologies and a new, innovative, and intelligent method of interconnecting them, now it's really easy for anyone to take part in drifts all over the world."

As soon as the test vehicle has identified a suitable drifting environment with the help of environment sensors and a real-time electronic horizon (eHorizon), the vehicle systems undergo one last check. Once all the systems are fully operational, the tire sensors have measured sufficient tire air pressure and tread, and it has been established that no other road users could potentially be endangered, the control computer activates a special drift button. "And then you're ready to 'drift and dream' as you let the vehicle systems take you on a breathtaking drifting experience," explains Ritter.

"The 'Simplify your Drifting' prototype vehicle is also aimed at all sports-oriented drivers who have always viewed automated driving with some skepticism," says Ritter, giving another reason for the development of this technology. "Now all it takes is just sixty seconds on a free patch of ground to change the minds of car enthusiasts otherwise skeptical of electronics," says Ritter.

"Simplify your Drifting" offers three drive modes: "Drifting", the vehicle is optimized to travel in and maintain a state of slight oversteer. "Quarter Mile" and "Donut", the vehicle is optimized for creating circular skid mark patterns on the asphalt – for example, as a mark of victory after you have won a Quarter Mile race. Download press picture

Drifting works with all types of tires. The in-built sensors ensure minimal wear during drifting. For heavy users and exceptionally eco-friendly results, specialist tires have even been developed with a special rubber compound produced in Korbach in Hesse. "This special rubber compound in combination with a drifting-optimized tread design helps to increase lateral acceleration and keep tire wear to just 14% max," says Ritter, clearly proud of this development. Also, when drift mode is activated, the engine management system and an active engine mount ensure a deep, rich, and impressive engine sound in the interior or, if you prefer, for any spectators outside, too.

Continental's "Simplify your Drifting" offers a total of three drive modes: In mode 1, "Drifting", the vehicle is optimized to travel in and maintain a state of slight oversteer. This means that the driver doesn't have to use the throttle and brakes to maintain control as much and so can enjoy a more intense drifting experience. Optionally, you can call up preprogrammed task settings allowing you to, for example, circle around fixed or moving objects. In mode 2, "Quarter Mile", the vehicle looks at the road ahead to identify any free, 400-meter stretch of road. It then looks for another member of the community with whom you can take part in a Quarter Mile race. The results are shared in the community and, at the end of the month or year, the "Quarter Mile King" is crowned. In mode 3, "Donut", the vehicle is optimized for creating circular skid mark patterns on the asphalt – for example, as a mark of victory after you have won a Quarter Mile race. The prototype will undergo intensive testing on April 1, 2016 before a decision is made on whether it should enter series production.