Mazda's GVC Plus system works so well, you won't realise until it's gone

You may have heard of the Japanese phrase Jinba-Ittai that Mazda uses, which means unity of horse and rider, being one with the car. And if you’ve been blessed with such an experience, you’d know that this magical feeling of ‘oneness’ is the epitome of driving; the car simply disappears under you, figuratively, so you can focus on driving alone.

Mazda’s engineers at the Chassis Dynamics Development strive to distil this sensation into their cars, from the Mazda 2 all the way to the Mazda CX-9. One feature that helps achieve this is the G-Vectoring Control (GVC) system.

At its point of introduction, the GVC system essentially marries engine torque and steering input. Depending on the speed, throttle position, and steering input, the system can reduce torque by retarding spark timing to give the car a ‘natural vehicle posture’ around corners.

Why does it need to reduce engine torque?

Well, the fundamentals of driving or more precisely, vehicle control, is down to weight transfer and how it manipulates load on tyres. By reducing engine torque, the car effectively decelerates and puts more load onto the front tyres, thereby improving front-end grip and turn-in.

The system works on a minute level, to the point where it’s imperceptible to most drivers and will not feel like something is intervening with the driving experience. Its goal is to make driving more efficient, to minimize unnecessary steering inputs and corrections that will lead to fatigue.

The effect on the car’s behaviour may be subtle but with the subconscious mind, it can mean the difference between feeling tired or relaxed after a long drive. This applies to both the driver and passengers.

With more precise manoeuvres, less corrections are needed, leading to less unnecessary body movements. The net result is a car that is more stable and comfortable as passengers will feel less lateral G forces.

Even in an SUV with its taller ride height that amplifies the swaying motion, the effect is less pronounced in Mazda SUVs because of the GVC system. Body roll is present of course, it cannot defy physics, but there are no other unnecessary or twitchy movements that can cause passengers to feel nauseous. Simply put, the car just feels natural and relaxed.

By 2018, Mazda had updated the GVC system, now called GVC Plus. The new system adds braking into the equation.

As the car exits a corner and the steering unwinds towards the centre, the GVC Plus system applies a small amount of braking pressure to the outside wheel to straighten the car more naturally, minimising the back-and-forth lateral movements. And again, it’s subtle, but effective.

But don’t just take our word for it, do experience the GVC Plus system in a Mazda at the WapCar Auto Show Exhibition as test drives will be available. The event is happening from 1-July to 3-July 2022, Friday to Sunday, at Pavilion Bukit Jalil.

Those who are amongst the first 300 bookings made at the event will receive attractive gifts – ranging from DDPai dashcams, Trapo air purifiers, INFINITY by Harman speakers, IGL Coatings paint protection, Karcher car wash products, DK Schweizer custom leather upholstery, and more.

The first 2,000 visitors who register for the event are entitled to a welcome gift. Simply click the image above or here for the registration link.

The exhibition will be held at the outdoor piazza. The nearest car park will be at Entrance C, which is right around the corner after driving past the main building.

Also read: Come to find the best new car deals at WapCar Auto Show Exhibition