hi all,

just read about this on another forum. apparently an option for late '07 and onwards build cars.

what exactly does this do and anyone have any idea what it will cost?

thanks

julie

 

It might be what I read that on 08+ cars (except the RS4 I guess) the rear diff will be a limited slip.

 

Which fourm? Linky?? What exactly did it say?


If I "think" I know what it said, then it is probably just a 60:40 standard bias to the rear wheels, instead of the normal 50:50 split.

 

http://www.a5oc.com/forums/showthrea...230/index.html

hope the link works

julie

 

Hi Julie.

Yup the link works, and you now have your first referral!

OK, it isn't very clear exactly what is being discussed, however, all new quattro models are "supposed" to have the latest generation Torsen centre differential, with the 60:40 bias towards the rear. I'm sure you know that the Torsen is completely mechanical, in that it does NOT need any electronics to work, and that it varies the torque dyamically to the axle, in a stepless manner, to the axle with the most grip.

The axle differentials are conventional "open" types, but use the EDL, or electronic differential lock, which is a component of the ABS/ESP system.

I think the article reported in AudiWorld is merely an enhancement of the EDL, and also a "rename" too - in the same way that the DSG has been renamed R-Tronic (or is it S-Tronic ???) on the new Audi TT. I really don't think it is anything dramatically "new", and I doubt it will find its' way onto the A5 or S5, until after it has been proven on the likes of the new RS6, or the V10 R8.

HTH

EDIT: after re-reading the Audi media article, it would seem that they are utilising a "Haldex" type of diff, but using it as a "cross-axle" rather than a "centre" diff. It therefore relies on multi-plate clutches in an oil bath to be electronically controlled. This type of diff requires very regular maintenance, and would be quite a bit heavier than a conventional diff. I personally can't really see any advantage to this, unless you are a track day nutter, or regularly travel in snow covered mountainous hairpins.