Ever hear of the term "Torque-Vectoring All-Wheel-Drive?" It's the latest high-tech version of AWD, in which power is not only front to rear, but also from side to side within each axle.
The Acura SH-AWD is a torque-vectoring AWD system, as it monitors vehicle speed, wheel speed, gear position, steering angle, yaw rate, lateral G forces and other inputs, while automatically adding torque to the outside rear wheel in corners to make the car turn quicker.
Besides Acura, there is the Ricardo Cross-Axle Torque-Vectoring system, which uses wet clutches and planetary gearsets, in both the front and rear differentials. These items are controlled by electrical, electromechanical or electrohydraulic control systems...
Ricardo claims the response time, from when you give it gas to the delivery of up to 90 percent of available torque, is only about 0.1 seconds. When Ricardo’s vectoring is used only in an all-wheel-drive vehicle’s center differential, the engine torque effectively gets passed around front-to-rear and side-to-side—with split-second accuracy—for all driving conditions. Expect o see this in the new Audi A4 and A5. In addition ZF is also working on a torque vectoring AWD system too.
Many feel that this is where the future of AWD is heading, and when combined with the ABS brakes, traction control, stability control, steering and rollover mitigation systems; the result will be smarter, safer and quicker vehicles, whether it’s on a rain-soaked freeway, a snowy driveway or a racetrack.
Full story here.
Many feel that this is where the future of AWD is heading, and when combined with the ABS brakes, traction control, stability control, steering and rollover mitigation systems; the result will be smarter, safer and quicker vehicles, whether it’s on a rain-soaked freeway, a snowy driveway or a racetrack.
Full story here.
hondacura4 says:
01:57 PM, 10/15/07
Ive read that BMW has a torque vectoring system in the works also. I would like to see a more agressive Acura vehicle with the system as its now only offered in the RL, MDX, and RDX. The RL has the real deal system while the MDX and RDX have a less complicated/cheaper design.
flicmod says:
02:05 PM, 10/15/07
Rumor has it (on TOV at least) that the next gen TSX will get SHAWD. That should be our first experience with the system in a raw sports scenario. I'm really looking forward to that! :-D
roar02ram says:
07:39 PM, 10/15/07
How is this different from Jeep's 7-year old Quadra-drive system?
Seriously - can someone explain it?
estreka says:
11:31 PM, 10/15/07
I love technology like this. I wish I knew what the photo was of. The thing I don't like about these systems is that I can't control them. I'd want a system with which I can tune my power distribution.
blueguydotcom says:
01:44 PM, 10/16/07
How much weight does it add? If it's lighter than a comparable car with RWD, i'm interested. If it pushes most power to the rear and it's lighter than RWD, it's a good idea.
hondacura4 says:
02:04 PM, 10/16/07
Blue I believe it adds around 150-170lbs to the car. More weight is never good but at least the weight is close to the ground.
Roar, Do some research, these new systems are way more advanced than the QuadraDrive.
blueguydotcom says:
08:32 AM, 10/17/07
150 lbs! Yikes. No thanks.