Audi has developed an ultra version of the quattro all-wheel-drive system for the 2016 A4 and other models in its range.
The system will be available for numerous Audi models that have their engines mounted longitudinally in the front. The first ever Audi to feature the ultra version of the quattro system is the A4 Allroad quattro, set for a market launch in the middle of this year.
The new Audi quattro ultra system was developed for optimal fuel efficiency with “no discernible differences from permanent 4x4 systems.” As Audi describes it, the quattro ultra system is designed to be “permanently available,” instead of “permanently on.”
By disengaging the rear axle from the drivetrain, Audis fitted with the ultra version of the quattro system can benefit from a lower fuel consumption compared to the models that keep the 4x4 system permanently on. For comparable models, Audi claims an average improvement of 0.3 liters for every 100 kilometers of real life driving conditions.
Unlike systems that wait for the front wheels to slip before engaging the rear axle, Audi’s quattro ultra system claims to work in a predictive manner and uses an array of sensors to predict whenever its intervention is necessary. Therefore, the system will even use driver behavior, road condition information, and driving dynamics analysis to determine when the rear axle should be coupled back to the powertrain and for how long.
Audi predicts that the new system will set benchmarks in its class for fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, especially in everyday conditions. Like other carmakers, Audi has linked the control of the all-wheel-drive system with the electronic stability system, so the vehicle’s stability will be improved by one of the two systems, or by both of them if needed.
The coupling of the rear axle in the quattro equation is done with the help of a set of electronically controlled multi-plate clutches. One of them is positioned at the back of the gearbox, on the transfer box, while the second set of electronically controlled clutches is located in the differential. The new version of quattro works more with front-wheel-drive and has a three-stage strategy: proactive, predictive, and reactive.
The computers of the Audi models fitted with the quattro ultra system will predict when tires reach their limit of grip and use data gathered by already-existent sensors to determine when to activate the all-wheel-drive system. The previously explained situation is the proactive one. The predictive activation of the AWD system focuses on driver input and behavior, along with the drive mode selected.
Lastly, the reactive activation of the quattro system is a rare occurrence in real life, but a possibility, as there is a chance that the wheels will shift from dry asphalt to a sheet of ice, in which case the system should respond in record time.
Sebastian's love for cars began at a young age. Little did he know that a career would emerge from this passion (and that it would not, sadly, involve being a professional racecar driver). In over fourteen years, he got behind the wheel of several hundred vehicles and in the offices of the most important car publications in his homeland. Full profile
Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?
Google News