Control and distribution Centre differential

When cornering, all four wheels of a car have to cover varying distances. Compensating for the differences between the front and rear axles and distributing engine power between the front and rear wheels is the task of the centre differential.

This is the heart of the powertrain in Audi's quattro permanent four-wheel drive system. Depending on the driving situation and road conditions, the system automatically regulates the distribution of power within milliseconds. This takes place by means of the Torsen differential or hydraulic multi-plate clutch. Influencing parameters in the control process include engine speed and torque, wheel speeds and longitudinal and lateral acceleration.