The active sport differential distributes torque from the engine in continuously variable proportions between the rear wheels.

Targeted control of the power flow enables the car to steer even more spontaneously and directly into bends, and produces a far more robust directional stability.

Depending on the steering angle, lateral acceleration, yaw angle, road speed and other signals, the control unit calculates the most suitable distribution of torque to the wheels for every driving situation.

When the steering wheel is turned or the car is accelerated in a bend, power is redirected in a controlled manner to the outer rear wheel. This has the effect of “forcing” the car into the corner so that it accurately follows the angle of the front wheels.

The difference in tractive force between the left and right wheels exerts an additional steering effect, so that the usual corrections by the driver at the steering wheel are no longer needed. Understeer is completely eliminated. Active torque distribution is based on an entirely new design principle for the rear-axle differential.

So that the new high-tech unit can also divert torque to the outer wheel of the axle, which revolves faster than the inner wheel when cornering, the classic rear-axle differential has been equipped with superposition stages on the left and right, each with a multi-plate clutch running in an oil bath. The clutches are activated by an electro-hydraulic actuator. The superposition stage rotates ten percent faster than the half-shaft that normally drives the wheel; the two components can be coupled by the multi-plate clutch. If the clutch is engaged, the wheel is accelerated by the superposition stage, which is running at a higher speed, and thus receives an additional torque input.

The differential reduces the tractive force reaching the opposite wheel accordingly. In most driving situations, almost the complete input torque can be diverted to one rear wheel in this way. The maximum difference in torque between the wheels is 1,800 newton metres.

Article source: www.audi.co.uk