Some can take steps to extricate themselves. But no driver of a conventional vehicle can brake harder with one tire than with another. For the Chevrolet Corvette that's a piece of cake. Introduced in 1998 and revamped for the 2001 model year, the Corvette's Active Handling System maximizes the traction available at each corner of the car. Let's say you come off a highway ramp at too high a speed.
Sensors kick in that detect wheel speed, yaw rate, steering angle and other variables.
That input is fed to a microprocessor that sends corrective instructions to the antilock braking and traction control systems. Several other high-end cars are similarly equipped. Mercedes-Benz's version, dubbed Electronic Stability Program, is standard on many of its models. Cadillac, Lexus and several others also offer active handling. But in the past several years, automakers have begun to reemphasize the technology.