What does the term 'negative camber' indicate in vehicle alignment?

The term 'negative camber' refers to the angle of the wheels in relation to the vertical axis of the vehicle. When a vehicle has negative camber, it means that the top of the wheel is leaning inward toward the center of the vehicle, while the bottom of the wheel is positioned further outward. This alignment influences how the vehicle handles during cornering, as it can enhance tire contact with the road surface, improving grip and stability.

This inward tilt can be beneficial in certain driving conditions, particularly when cornering, as it allows for a larger contact patch of the tire with the road during turns. This helps to optimize performance, especially in sports cars or vehicles designed for enhanced handling.

The other answer choices describe different wheel positions that do not accurately reflect the meaning of negative camber. For example, the idea of the wheels being parallel to the body of the vehicle would mean no camber at all, while an outward lean would indicate positive camber. Therefore, understanding the specific angle and its impact on vehicle dynamics is key to grasping the concept of negative camber.