Although Mitsubishi says the S-AWC system "is not just another all-wheel drive system", it acts just like one: it adjusts torque at each wheel with the help of several other systems, including Active Center Differential (ACD), Active Yaw Control (AYC) rear differential, Active Stability Control (ASC) and Sport ABS brakes.
"Mitsubishi's grasp of advanced all-wheel drive technology comes in part from many successful years in the Dakar and World Rally Championship where the demands far exceed those for a street car," said Mitsubishi Motors North America Executive Vice President of Operations John Koenig. "The best news is that so much of what we've learned from rally competition works to our advantage on the streets and circuit as well."
The S-AWC technology, which is available as standard on the aforementioned model, supports three different modes that optimizes its settings for better control: tarmac, gravel or snow. Depending on the user settings, the system automatically changes its configuration to provide improved handling and traction for the selected type of environment.
"The AJAC Best New Technology award was established to allow a group of technical writers to identify new and innovative technologies of significant benefit to the consumer," explained Canadian Car of the Year and Technology Award Chairman Richard Russell. "The significance of the Best New Technology award has been growing steadily over the past few years as has the degree of rigor to which entries are submitted."
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