Stages in the Development of Four-Wheel Drive Systems in Audi Passenger Cars

In terms of vehicle dynamics, four-wheel drive exhibits great capabilities as a power transmission system for high-performance passenger cars. There are now numerous different concepts for four-wheel drive configurations.

To provide an overview of the different systems and their characteristics, this report first defines the design requirements for four-wheel drive systems. It then compares the alternative concepts in schematic form. Finally, the results of simulations and measurements are given to describe the characteristics of the quattro system developed by Audi in the various stages of its development.