TORRANCE, CA — With the introduction of the 2006 GS 430 luxury sport sedan, Lexus stated on Feb. 1 that it put a window on the future of advanced automobile handling technology with its new Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management system (VDIM). Through use of the latest technology, VDIM helps improve handling and driving pleasure, even in the most challenging conditions. VDIM enhances handling and traction control systems that normally react to an already unstable condition by anticipating tire slippage before a skid, slide or wheel spin occurs and make stabilizing corrections that maximize dynamic capability. This coupled with tight integration of all systems makes VDIM feel transparent to the driver. To do this, VDIM uses an active control strategy that takes its cues from a range of sensors including steering angle, yaw rate, deceleration, brake pressure, brake pedal stroke, wheel speed, and others. Their signals are used individually by the various traction control systems and collectively by VDIM. Data is gathered from more sources and processed earlier and faster than previous designs, helping to make VDIM less obtrusive yet effective. These systems include Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRC), Brake Assist (BA), Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS), and Electronic Throttle Control with intelligence (ETC-i). In addition, three new technologies are employed that are central to the effectiveness of VDIM: Electric Power Steering (EPS), Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS), and Electronically Controlled Brakes (ECB). VDIM then integrates all of these elements with proprietary software to help manage the total vehicle dynamic package. ECB is one of the key new technologies that make VDIM possible. It's a "brake-by-wire" system that translates brake pedal pressure into electric signals that, via computer control, help provide optimized braking control in virtually any traction condition. The ECB system is also backed by conventional hydraulic brake control in the unlikely event of electronic failure. ECB's electronic control provides quick brake response when needed, which helps the VDIM system to anticipate and help correct skids before they happen.