What ever happened to Quadrasteer ?

[guumbah]

There was one other commercial I saw with the boat ramp. But yeah, I think that it could have done way better with better marketing. Most people don't even seem to know what it is. I've had people in parking lots freak out about the wheels sawing back and forth like something's wrong. Or ask me why the fenders are wide with single tires (even though they are not as wide as duallys anyway). Stuff like that. Half of them don't even know what I mean by four wheel steering - "How is that possible???" - let alone have some brand recognition like "Quadrasteer".

[TexasF355F1]

I think marketing could have a bit to do with it, but I also think that people just don't care enough about it to have it.

[lamehonda]

That, and people as a whole tend to be idiots

[guumbah]

Doesn't matter if people care enough to want it, good marketing makes them think they want it.

[lamehonda]

hence britney spears/boy bands.

[BlenderWizard]

Originally Posted by lamehonda

That, and people as a whole tend to be idiots

+1 to that. I've never driven a quadrasteer Silverado, ut I had 4WS Prelude, as I mentioned, but before I got it, I drove a regular Prelude.

I wouldn't have had the one without 4WS after driving the one with.

GM shouldn't kick themselves to hard over this, though. I don't know of any other auto manufacturer who had a success with a 4WS vehicle.

[BlenderWizard]

Originally Posted by guumbah

I've had people in parking lots freak out about the wheels sawing back and forth like something's wrong.

Hehe... I had to get my Prelude towed one time, and i steered it as the wrecker driver pulled it up on his flatbed.

He was all like, "Oh shit! Yer rear end's all fucked up! Your back wheels are going all over the place!"

[silverado122775]

I think the other reason the Quadrasteer failed was because it was really heavy. I test drove a 2003 Quadrasteer and a standard Silvy. You could really tell differance in wieght and the power loss because of it. Those 4WS added about an extra 500lbs at least.
I really liked the concept of the 4WS, but they need to lighten it up a bit.. not too mention the $5000 dollar extra cost for it.

[guumbah]

You can definitely feel the weight a little. Doesn't bother me. Easy trade in my mind for what the 4WS gives. And I think the cost came down a bit at the end (probably after they already killed it though). I think without driving it, or even better - getting one used like I did, I would have had a hard time spending another 5 grand originally, but if they brought it back, I would still pay that on a new truck (if I ever got one). If they don't ever bring it back, like I said, I'll drive this one until it falls apart around me.

Blender - good point, nobody ever keeps 4WS around for long when they introduce it. Too bad really.

lamehonda - GREAT example. I was trying to think of one to truly convey my point about marketing, and you nailed it.

[rhardens]

We own an '03 Suburban with Quadrasteer and my father-in-law owns one, too.

We both had to go round and round with different dealerships about even buying one back in 2002 and 2003. Seems that the general managers at the dealerships (we spoke with more than a dozen in Texas) did not want to inventory them. They were concerned that they wouldn't sell like the Z-71s and they wouldn't make as much.

Too bad... anyone who has ever driven one for a few spins has to have one. The rebate pricing on the option allowed us to pay about $2,000 for the options needed to make it happen. Each sales manager asked why we'd want to pay $5,000+ for the option and wait for the truck to arrive, when we can get one of those beauties over there (pointing to a Z-71 on the lot).

We're extremely happy, but concerned about what to do whenever it's time to put it out to pasture. The 36.2' turning radius is dreamy and the trailering ease and manueverability is FUN.