Rear axle steering (also known as four-wheel steering) is an automotive technology that enhances a vehicle's handling and maneuverability by turning the rear wheels in conjunction with or opposite to the front wheels. The technology was introduced in the late 1980s and early 1990s but was largely discontinued in mainstream vehicles due to cost and complexity, though it has seen a resurgence in modern high-end and specialty vehicles.

Description of Rear Axle Steering: Rear axle steering systems use actuators, sensors, and control units to determine the appropriate angle for the rear wheels based on vehicle speed and steering input. The system operates in two main modes:

Low Speeds: The rear wheels turn in the opposite direction to the front wheels. This effectively shortens the vehicle's turning circle, making it more agile and easier to maneuver in tight spaces like parking lots.

High Speeds: The rear wheels turn in the same direction as the front wheels. This increases the vehicle's stability during lane changes and evasive maneuvers, smoothing out the motion.

Discontinuation and Resurgence Rear axle steering was initially featured in vehicles like the Porsche 928 (passive Weissach axle), Honda Prelude, and Nissan Skyline in the 1980s. In the US market, General Motors offered an "Active Rear Steering" system called Quadrasteer on some pickup trucks and SUVs from 2002 to 2005.