Abstract
In order to research preferred steering characteristics for drivers when a Steer-by-Wire system is introduced, a fixed-base simulator incorporated with a variable characteristic steering system was manufactured, and using the simulator, based on a hypotheses on driver's steering control behavior, effect of steering gear ratio characteristics along with steering torque characteristics on drivers' control performance was examined by means of lane change and evasive maneuver tests. The results indicate that modifying steering gear ratio characteristics with Steer-by-Wire system may improve the performance of man-vehicle system for lateral motion control of the automobile under some conditions.