GM patents for controlled drifting and vehicle stability technology
GM patents simplify controlled drifts and enhance vehicle stability
GM patents for controlled drifting and vehicle stability technology
General Motors patents aim to simplify controlled drifting and boost vehicle stability using active aerodynamics and real-time adjustments, making drifting safer and more accessible.
2026-02-08T20:57:19+03:00
2026-02-08T20:57:19+03:00
2026-02-08T20:57:19+03:00
General Motors has filed two patent applications aimed at simplifying controlled drifts and enhancing vehicle stability during drifting. These documents were published by the United States Patent and Trademark Office in January 2026 and outline new approaches to managing aerodynamics and vehicle dynamics.The first system focuses on active downforce control during a drift. GM starts from the premise that intentional drifting contradicts conventional aerodynamic logic, which typically increases grip. The developed technology can detect that a driver is deliberately initiating a drift by analyzing steering wheel angle, accelerator pedal position, and other parameters.Once identified, the system adjusts the car's aerodynamic elements in real time, independently varying downforce at the front and rear to maintain control and balance during the slide. The second patent application describes an algorithm for determining desired lateral acceleration. It analyzes driver inputs, vehicle speed, and traction characteristics, then calculates the maximum permissible lateral acceleration based on tire-road grip.Using this data, the vehicle can adjust its behavior—including via aerodynamic components—to maintain the intended trajectory. Together, both technologies aim for a fine-tuned balance between grip, stability, and driver intent. Theoretically, such systems could be applied to sport versions of production cars, track modes, or even future electric vehicles with active aerodynamics.For now, these are merely patents, and General Motors has not confirmed plans for series production. However, their development alone shows that automakers are increasingly viewing controlled drifting not as an error, but as part of an enhanced driving experience.If GM brings these technologies to production vehicles, drifting could become far more accessible and safer for everyday drivers. This is another example of how modern cars are moving away from "fighting" the driver and instead adapting to their style—even when that style involves slides and playing at the limits of grip.
General Motors patents, controlled drifting, vehicle stability, active aerodynamics, drifting technology, automotive innovation, GM technology
2026
Michael Powers
news
GM patents simplify controlled drifts and enhance vehicle stability
General Motors patents aim to simplify controlled drifting and boost vehicle stability using active aerodynamics and real-time adjustments, making drifting safer and more accessible.
Michael Powers, Editor
General Motors has filed two patent applications aimed at simplifying controlled drifts and enhancing vehicle stability during drifting. These documents were published by the United States Patent and Trademark Office in January 2026 and outline new approaches to managing aerodynamics and vehicle dynamics.
The first system focuses on active downforce control during a drift. GM starts from the premise that intentional drifting contradicts conventional aerodynamic logic, which typically increases grip. The developed technology can detect that a driver is deliberately initiating a drift by analyzing steering wheel angle, accelerator pedal position, and other parameters.
Once identified, the system adjusts the car's aerodynamic elements in real time, independently varying downforce at the front and rear to maintain control and balance during the slide. The second patent application describes an algorithm for determining desired lateral acceleration. It analyzes driver inputs, vehicle speed, and traction characteristics, then calculates the maximum permissible lateral acceleration based on tire-road grip.
Using this data, the vehicle can adjust its behavior—including via aerodynamic components—to maintain the intended trajectory. Together, both technologies aim for a fine-tuned balance between grip, stability, and driver intent. Theoretically, such systems could be applied to sport versions of production cars, track modes, or even future electric vehicles with active aerodynamics.
For now, these are merely patents, and General Motors has not confirmed plans for series production. However, their development alone shows that automakers are increasingly viewing controlled drifting not as an error, but as part of an enhanced driving experience.
If GM brings these technologies to production vehicles, drifting could become far more accessible and safer for everyday drivers. This is another example of how modern cars are moving away from "fighting" the driver and instead adapting to their style—even when that style involves slides and playing at the limits of grip.
