Ackermann steering geometry

The intention of Ackermann geometry is to avoid the need for tyres to slip sideways when following the path around a curve.

While more complex, this arrangement enhances controllability by avoiding large inputs from road surface variations being applied to the end of a long lever arm, as well as greatly reducing the fore-and-aft travel of the steered wheels.

Modern cars do not use pure Ackermann steering, partly because it ignores important dynamic and compliant effects, but the principle is sound for low-speed maneuvers.

Some racing cars use reverse Ackermann geometry to compensate for the large difference in slip angle between the inner and outer front tires while cornering at high speed.

The use of such geometry helps reduce tire temperatures during high-speed cornering but compromises performance in low-speed maneuvers.