Audi has unveiled a new version of its quattro all-wheel-drive system, claiming it critically improves efficiency and fuel economy when mated to models fitted with a longitudinally mounted engine. The new quattro system uses an electromechanically operated Haldex-style multiplate clutch and heavily revised rear gear set that combine to eliminate mechanical drag by eliminating drive to the rear differential and, with it, the rear wheels when the driver requires only front-wheel drive.
To be marketed under the name quattro ultra, the new system abandons the widely used Torsen torque-sensing system, as well as the central differential and rear differential hardware used by Audi in one form or the other since the inception of its original quattro AWD system back in 1980.
In its place is a fully networked setup capable of analyzing driving conditions every 100 milliseconds and automatically providing either front- or all-wheel drive depending on factors such as longitudinal acceleration, engine torque, steering angle, yaw rate, prevailing traction and driving style.
Set to make its debut on the upcoming A4 Allroad prior to being fitted to the new A5 Coupe type and second-generation Q5, the quattro ultra system initially will be offered on models based on Audi’s MLB (modularen langsbau (modular longitudinal architecture) platform in combination with its new high-compression turbocharged 2.0L 4-cylinder petrol engine and 7-speed S-tronic dual-clutch gearbox.
