Driving pleasure

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Driving pleasure is a feeling of enjoyment derived from operating a motor vehicle. Factors known to contribute to driving pleasure include responsiveness of the vehicle to driver manipulation of the controls, which means that the vehicle obeys and executes driver's commands faithfully.

In the vehicle development process, driving pleasure is "the driver's feel for vehicle manipulation under various road conditions."[1] When designing a car, features that increase driving pleasure and safety may work in opposition, forcing engineers to make choices between the two or find a new solution that accomplishes both.[2]

[edit] Factors that affect driving pleasure

World champion Fernando Alonso leans his head inward to overcome lateral forces of up to 5g in curves in Formula1. Lateral forces on the driver are absent on a motorcycle.
World champion Fernando Alonso leans his head inward to overcome lateral forces of up to 5g in curves in Formula1. Lateral forces on the driver are absent on a motorcycle.
  • Speed: Driving at high speed thrills.
  • Throttle response: It gives the feeling that the vehicle responds well to the driver's commands. The easier to manipulate the motion of vehicle, the greater the pleasure.[3]
  • Adequate power of vehicle: Power requirements depend on both the vehicle's dynamics and track.
  • Steering response: feedback on the state of vehicle is felt by the driver through steering.
  • Forces acting on driver: Forces are due to acceleration, linear and angular. Longitudinal forces are due to acceleration and deceleration, and lateral forces occur while turning act on the driver. These forces can not be easily simulated anywhere other than a vehicle. Lateral force is available only in a four wheeled vehicle, and can be up to 5g in F1 racing.[4] In motorcycles lateral force on the driver is zero even when cornering, due to leaning the bike into a corner to nullify lateral force.
  • Road or track: A track with challenging corners and competitive vehicles can be more interesting to drive.
  • Ride quality: Firm ride enhances driving pleasure up to a point.
  • Physical comfort: Interior climate control and comfortable seat. Good ergonomics of the vehicle's controls (for example, reach to steering wheel, pedals, and shift). Absence or low levels of noise, vibration and harshness (NVH levels).
  • Exploration: Motor vehicles allow for easy and comfortable navigation of broad areas, with stunning views and other natural phenomenon.

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  1. ^ Makita M., Kageyama I. (2006) "Experimental analysis of driver's head motion on vehicle maneuver from the point of driving pleasure." Vehicle System Dynamics Abstract
  2. ^ Johan Wedlin, Lars-Runo Tillback, and Olof Bane, "Combining Properties for Driving Pleasure and Driving Safety: a Challenge for the Chassis Engineer" (abstract), SAE Technical Papers, unknown date
  3. ^ "In essence, driving pleasure means that a car responds faithfully to the driver's wishes and performs precisely as expected."[1]
  4. ^ "Measure of G-force in Formula 1"[2]