Quattro operating modes

[Ryanytchan]

Hi all,

I'm looking to order a 1.8 quattro and was wondering since its not full time all wheel drive, when does quattro kick in? And do you actually know what it does (I.e indicated on dashboard or something)

Thanks in advance!

 

[snowfree52]

you wil never know when it does, that's the beauty of the thing

 

[Zygote]

The Haldex 5 unit on the A3 diverts 90% of the power to the front wheels by the default, but the moment the car senses its loosing grip on the front wheels it can shoot up to 50% of the power to the back wheels. This happens within milliseconds.

 

[AJB]

I may be wrong, but I think it can send 100% of power to the back. If the front is on sheet ice the back will get the power. This works because there's no centre diff and the haldex clutch can lock completely.

 

[Zygote]

Pretty sure it can only delivery 50% to the rear axle. Of course now I cant find back to any technical articles backing up my claim, so if anyone else have something more trustworthy information, feel free to share it.

 

[Vazza]

I may be wrong, but I think it can send 100% of power to the back. If the front is on sheet ice the back will get the power. This works because there's no centre diff and the haldex clutch can lock completely.

I think you are correct as the Golf R's Haldex can do this...

VW Golf R price and specs revealed | Auto Express

The Golf R is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine producing 296bhp, delivered through a part-time four-wheel-drive system. Nearly 100 per cent of the power can be transferred to the rear wheels.

 

[snowfree52]

VW Golf 7 4MOTION - Animation Technology - YouTube


and for the fun : Volkswagen Golf 7 4Motion snow drifting video - YouTube

 

[Ryanytchan]

So the haldex system is identical to the one in the s3 and gold r?

 

[snowfree52]

yes

 

[Spacemarine]

I may be wrong, but I think it can send 100% of power to the back. If the front is on sheet ice the back will get the power. This works because there's no centre diff and the haldex clutch can lock completely.

That is correct, although a lot of people don't understand it. If the front wheels can not transfer any power to the street, then they will either spin freely or all of the power will get transferred to the back. Otherwise the power of your engine would get lost somewhere, which is not possible, as that would burn every cluth within seconds.