GM has supplied Bosch with a Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon that we have equipped with roll bars and outriggers. A colorful scheme highlights Bosch ESC with roll mitigation function (RMF) (referred to as StabiliTrak® by GM) and Bosch brakes.

Lights installed on each corner of the roof are a most important feature. They are wired directly to the brake lines at each corner, and indicate which wheel or wheels are braking. Paul Mercurio, engineering manager, developed this idea several years ago and it provides a simple visual of what is actually happening.

During a typical day, 300 dealers are given the opportunity to ride in the vehicle with a professional driver and experience a double-lane change maneuver with ESC activated. While waiting to ride, an instructor explains what is happening as the lights flash during the maneuver.

Most sales people get out of the vehicle with a big smile on their faces, and making comments such as, “Wow – now I understand it – he never touched the brake peddle – he steers and the system does all the work.”

After the ride portion of the event, the professional driver dons his helmet and, by himself, performs a high-speed maneuver with the system off and on. This highlights the ferocity of a high-speed skid and then shows how ESC keeps the vehicle in control.