The upgrade that will make all quattro Audis handle like the RS4

Audi has developed a new performance differential for its quattro AWD cars that’ll be available from next year onwards. The new system distributes torque from the engine independently between the rear wheels, improving traction beyond that of the current AWD set-up. According to Audi, the tendency of its AWD cars to understeer has been reduced to almost nil thanks to the system analyzing acceleration, yaw angle and speed to identify where traction is lost.
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610looper - 9/6/2007 1:37:22 PM

+2 Boost

Haters, start your engines....

dlin - 9/6/2007 9:46:53 PM

0 Boost

AUDI finally realize their Quattro system is in fact quite outdated. Although it'll be nicer if it can send at least 90% to rear, this is at least a right move for catching up the Jap.

Auto_expert - 9/6/2007 1:44:20 PM

+3 Boost

How about something to make it handle like a BMW?

cs4444 - 9/6/2007 3:22:59 PM

+2 Boost

impossible.

aarononymous - 9/6/2007 1:47:54 PM

+3 Boost

Is this the new torque-vectoring system? Sounds like it, which the RS4 doesn't have. Anyways keep it up Audi.

EnnNorak - 9/6/2007 6:55:24 PM

+1 Boost

Or is this what's referred to as "twin coupling"? I did not read the article as MotorAuthority insists on blinding me with dark blue letters on a black background -- I never read their website.

aarononymous - 9/6/2007 8:47:46 PM

+1 Boost

maybe not, haven't heard about this one before...

I95SPEEDINGTICKETS - 9/7/2007 11:10:06 AM

+1 Boost

Try using Explorer to view the page
It should be fine then

jeffy210 - 9/6/2007 2:12:34 PM

+3 Boost

That sounds like the SH-AWD that Acura has on the RL and MDX. It can distribute the torque anywhere from 30% to 70% to the rear wheels (front gets the difference) and of whatever percentage it gives to the rear wheels anywhere from 0% to 100% can be applied to either rear wheel (difference going to the opposing wheel)

jeffy210 - 9/6/2007 3:58:14 PM

+1 Boost

Ah yes, yet another factual comment that's modded down. I'd love to know who's doing that.

And Wi11, who bought it is irrelevant. It is just a description of the technology.

Andrew502 - 9/6/2007 4:02:36 PM

+2 Boost

How does such a system differ from an awd system with a rear lsd. On a rwd setup the lsd would take the role of redirecting the power based on the speed of each wheel.

It is the general idea that they are moving from a mechanical system to something that is electronically controlled?

moto - 9/6/2007 6:28:58 PM

+2 Boost

Sadly, Andrew, you are correct. This is an electronic center clutch, which IMHO doesn't make for a better AWD system. It will probably be lighter, less expensive, and easier to "tune". But the 40/60% torque split in the Audi S and RS models is already about perfect for most sporting drivers.

EnnNorak - 9/6/2007 6:57:12 PM

+2 Boost

I don't like the Honda system as it involves the deliberate running of front and reeal axles constantly at a slightly different speed which surely wears out some internal clutches in the mechanism.

BMfan - 9/6/2007 7:30:21 PM

+1 Boost

Between a test of a rs4 and a carrera 4(997) and a evo9 4wd system they found the evo to be best with porsche next.So even if it makes a 2,0L handle like a rs4 it's still not the best system.

moto - 10/5/2007 1:52:01 PM

+1 Boost

BMfan, was that a comparison of total vehicle track performance or awd capability? These are different things. We'd like a link to that article!

SevorbeupstryIsBack - 9/7/2007 2:08:39 AM

+1 Boost

Sounds great! I heard BMW is also working on a new version of their xDrive system.

Airliner - 9/9/2007 2:37:59 PM

+1 Boost

The media seems to be hyping up SAAB's new XWD system. Lets see how it drives in the Real World.