Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) is an
integrated vehicle
handling and software control system developed by
Toyota
is a Japanese Multinational corporation, multinational Automotive industry, automotive manufacturer headquartered in Toyota City, Aichi, Japan. It was founded by Kiichiro Toyoda and incorporated on August 28, 1937. Toyota is the List of manuf ...
. It involves an omnibus computer linkage of
traction control,
electronic stability control
Electronic stability control (ESC), also referred to as electronic stability program (ESP) or dynamic stability control (DSC), is a computerized technology that improves a car handling, vehicle's stability by detecting and reducing loss of Tract ...
,
electronic steering, and other systems, with the intent of improving responsiveness to driver input, performance, and overall safety. The system was first introduced in the
Japanese domestic market
The term "Japanese domestic market" ("JDM") refers to Japan's home market for vehicles and vehicle parts. Japanese owners contend with a strict motor vehicle inspection and grey markets. JDM is also incorrectly used as a term colloquially to ref ...
in July 2004, when Toyota debuted VDIM on the
Toyota Crown Majesta
The is a full-size luxury sedan from Toyota. It is an upmarket variant of the Crown and serves as Toyota's flagship model in various countries.
The Crown Majesta appeared after the international introduction of the Celsior/Lexus LS in lat ...
. This was followed by the VDIM's export debut on the third generation
Lexus GS, which was launched in 2005. VDIM integrates the company's
Electronically Controlled Brake (ECB),
Anti-Lock Brake
An anti-lock braking system (ABS) is a safety anti- skid braking system used on aircraft and on land vehicles, such as cars, motorcycles, trucks, and buses. ABS operates by preventing the wheels from locking up during braking, thereby maintain ...
s (ABS),
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
Electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD or EBFD) or electronic brakeforce limitation (EBL) is an automobile brake technology that automatically varies the amount of force applied to each of a vehicle's wheels, based on road conditions, speed, lo ...
(EBD),
Traction Control (TRC) and
Vehicle Stability Control
Electronic stability control (ESC), also referred to as electronic stability program (ESP) or dynamic stability control (DSC), is a computerized technology that improves a car handling, vehicle's stability by detecting and reducing loss of Tract ...
(VSC) active safety systems with the
Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS),
Electric Power Steering (EPS) and
Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS) systems
which previously worked independently using proprietary software.
This way all the systems function together rather than the
ECU prioritizing which is the most important. VDIM was initially designed for
rear-wheel drive
Rear-wheel drive (RWD) is a form of engine and transmission layout used in motor vehicles, in which the engine drives the rear wheels only. Until the late 20th century, rear-wheel drive was the most common configuration for cars.
Most rear-whee ...
cars.
VDIM's capabilities expand upon Toyota's stand-alone Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system which was introduced in 1995; VSC remains the baseline electronic stability control system used by the company. VSC by definition does not intervene until ''after'' a skid is detected,
[ while VDIM takes measures to ''prevent'' skids, slides, or wheel spins rather than just take action after tire slippage has occurred.][ This is done by constantly making corrections in a subtle manner that are transparent to the driver.] In further contrast with VSC, VDIM can also calibrate driver steering input according to vehicle speed, with active steering and throttle adjustments to improve ride quality and directional control during performance driving, such as in slalom courses.[Autobytel Avoiding Accidents - VDIM]
/ref>
With the EPS system VDIM instantly varies the amount of power steering assist depending on driving conditions. In vehicles equipped with Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS), VDIM also manages steering gear ratios to help the driver maintain control. Initially, the system was only offered on vehicles equipped with Electronically Controlled Brake (ECB), but this is no longer required.
Applications
* Lexus IS
The is a compact executive car ( D-segment in Europe) sold by Lexus, a luxury division of Toyota, since 1998. The IS was originally sold under the nameplate in Japan from 1998 until 2005 (the word ''Altezza'' is Italian for 'height' or 'high ...
: IS 350 (2005), IS 250 (2008), IS F (2007; with an additional "sport" setting)
* Lexus GS: GS 430 (2005), GS 350 (2006), GS 450h (2006), GS 460 (2007)
* Lexus LS
The is a series of full-size luxury sedans that have served as the flagship model of Lexus, the luxury division of Toyota, since 1989. For the first four generations, all LS models featured V8 engines and were predominantly rear-wheel-drive ...
: LS 460 (2006), LS 600h (2007), LS 500, LS 500h (2018)
* Lexus RX
The is a Luxury car, luxury crossover SUV sold since 1998 by Lexus, a luxury division of Toyota. Originally released in its home market of Japan in late 1997 as the Toyota Harrier, export sales began in March 1998 as the Lexus RX.
Considered ...
: RX 400h (2005), RX 350 (2009), RX 450h (2009)
* Lexus NX
The is a compact luxury crossover SUV sold by Lexus, a luxury division of Toyota. Introduced in late 2014, it is positioned between the subcompact UX and the mid-size RX in Lexus’ crossover SUV lineup.
According to Lexus, the name "NX" ...
: NX 300h (2014 on)
* Toyota Camry Hybrid (2006)
* Toyota Crown Majesta
The is a full-size luxury sedan from Toyota. It is an upmarket variant of the Crown and serves as Toyota's flagship model in various countries.
The Crown Majesta appeared after the international introduction of the Celsior/Lexus LS in lat ...
(2004)
* Toyota Highlander Hybrid (2005)
* Toyota Sienna
The Toyota Sienna is a minivan manufactured and marketed by Toyota primarily for the North American market. It is named for the Italian city of Siena, in the region of Tuscany. It replaced the first generation Toyota Previa, Previa van in 1997 ...
(2011)
* Toyota Land Cruiser (J300) (2021)
Similar systems
* Cadillac
Cadillac Motor Car Division, or simply Cadillac (), is the luxury vehicle division (business), division of the American automobile manufacturer General Motors (GM). Its major markets are the United States, Canada and China; Cadillac models are ...
Integrated Chassis Control System (ICCS)
References
{{Lexus cars
Toyota
Lexus
Vehicle safety technologies
ja:VDIM