Audi has unveiled a new AWD system called as the Quattro Ultra which promises to be 5 percent more fuel efficient than the current system.
Audi’s Quattro 4-wheel drive system has been quite the icon when it comes to providing power to all 4 wheels. The system has gained immense popularity in the company’s entire lineup and has won Audi many championship races, Le Mans 24 hours included. The German luxury car maker has now unveiled a new more advanced system called the Quattro Ultra that has the capability to decouple the rear drive and in turn provide enhanced fuel economy by up to 5 percent. The new system will be exclusively available for the modular-longitudinal platform (MLB) and has fewer moving parts which means less friction.
Audi Quattro Ultra Engaged
Almost 1 in 2 Audi’s sold worldwide are equipped with the Quattro AWD system and hence it is quite a big deal for the German car maker. The first car to benefit from this system will be the Audi A4 AllRoad that is set for launch in Summer this year. The system works on a programme that helps it decide when to couple and decouple the rear axle from the drivetrain. When the software decides that front-wheel drive is adequate, it will electromechanically disengage a multiplate clutch positioned right behind the transmission along with a clutch in the rear differential which decouples to stop the propellor shaft from rotating in order to reduce frictional losses, thereby improving efficiency.
Audi Quattro Ultra Disengaged
As mentioned above, this system will be only compatible with cars based on the MLB platform. Expect the A4 sedan to get this tech very soon followed by the next generation A5, Q5, A6 and A7. The Quattro Ultra can at the moment handle a limited amount of torque which is why we will have to wait for some more time to see it on Audi’s high performance models. Audi is all set to launch the Q2 SUVat the 2016 Geneva Motor Show on the 1st of March. Stay tuned for all the car news on the ICB network.
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