Audi quattro ultra can now switch to front-wheel drive

Audi quattro with ultra technology

Audi quattro with ultra technology

Audi has just revealed a new variation of its quattro all-wheel drive system with ‘ultra’ technology. Key features of the system include the ability to go from all-wheel to front-wheel drive and back again, depending on the conditions. The ultra tag also signifies better fuel efficiency – it consumes 0.3 litres per km less than conventional all-wheel drive.

As to how it works, there are two clutches in the drivetrain. A switch to front-wheel drive will see the front clutch (multi-plate clutch behind the transmission) disconnecting the propshaft. At the same time, an integrated decoupler in the rear-axle differential also opens, to shut down the main cause of drag loss in the rear

To go back into all-wheel drive mode, only requires 250 milliseconds or 0.25 seconds. Here, the decoupled stationary components are accelerated in fractions of a second through the multi-plate clutch, which will mechanically close the decoupler on the axle differential, hence bringing the rear back into action.

Audi says that all-wheel drive will be deactivated when it is not in need, but it is always available. Furthermore, when it is eventually required, the system is activated even before the driver needs it. As the quattro electronics are networked, the system retrieves and analyses data such as steering angle, lateral and longitudinal acceleration, engine torque and more every ten milliseconds.

Activation of the all-wheel drive follows a three-stage strategy: a proactive activation, based on data delivered via the network; predictive activation, based on the driver’s style, status of the ESC, the drive select mode, and the trailer detection system; and reactive activation, which takes place when there’s a sudden change in friction, like when on ice or suddenly going pedal-to-the-metal round corners.

Currently, models that wear the ultra badge have all been front-wheel drive variants. This will soon change with the new quattro ultra system, starting with the B9 Audi A4 Allroad, which will debut in the second quarter of 2016. It will subsequently make its way into other models with longitudinally mounted front engines, Audi says.

GALLERY: B9 Audi A4 Allroad

Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.

10% discount when you renew your car insurance

Compare prices between different insurer providers and use the promo code 'PAULTAN10' when you make your payment to save the most on your car insurance renewal compared to other competing services.

Car Insurance

Graham Chin

Having spent a number of years as a journalist for a local paper, a marketing executive for a popular German automotive brand and a copywriter, Graham, a true-blue Sarawakian, knew he had to take the leap back into the motoring scene - and so he did. To him, nothing’s better than cruising for hours along a scenic route, in a car that’s designed and built for that purpose.

 

Comments

  • Muahahaa on Feb 20, 2016 at 10:01 am

    Meanwhile in Banglasia, Proton and Perodua still cheating customers by making low quality cars! Muahahaha!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 10
    • Songlap Songlap Malaysia on Feb 20, 2016 at 11:26 am

      In Banglasia, Proton does not even come out with any inventions the past 30 years. Other car companies got so many new technology and inventions.

      Proton employs the largest number of engineers of any car company in the world. We follow Malaysian style. 100 man to do one man job. Just employ to give free jobs to people.

      I wonder, why the 1000 over engineers, who are highly overpaid, cannot even invent anyhting the past 40 years.

      Mahathir said now for the SUV, we have to seek 4WD and 4WD engine from China. But we were married to Mitsubishi for 25 years. And Mitsubishi is No 1 Car company for 4WD and 4WD engines.

      What were the overpaid engineers doing the past 30 years in Proton?

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 18 Thumb down 5
      • “Proton employs the largest number of engineers of any car company in the world.”
        Can u gip a source for this statement above, or r u pulling this out from that hole in the rear?

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 9
        • Kampung Boy on Feb 21, 2016 at 6:05 pm

          You still wetting public toilets in hotels cause want to wash your rear?

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
          • Oh. I din know i was so hi keras that i use hotel toilet unlike u who use toilet at hiway R&R

            Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
    • Tranh on Feb 20, 2016 at 4:47 pm

      Low quality no innovation cars but it gets full paultan attention. Toyota could never yo.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • complex sys, just another system which eventually will break..vag products

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 2
  • Stark’s preferred car brand with Ultron technology

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 0
  • Ahmad Jamal on Feb 20, 2016 at 11:52 am

    The exhaust that sits beside the transmission eats up the interior space for the passenger. This will be worse for right hand drive audi’s where the passenger side is the driver’s side for the right hand drive.expect crammed legroom space for the driver. Audi Malaysia please take note.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 1
  • seancorr (Member) on Feb 20, 2016 at 1:07 pm

    Nice…better FC!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • gundam mama on Feb 20, 2016 at 1:28 pm

    my pickup can switch to mode oso.
    From 4×4 to rear wheel drive….at a touch of a button.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 0
    • stasta on Feb 23, 2016 at 12:26 pm

      the difference is this audi can switch automatically without needing a button.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • So which is better? Audi’s Quattro or Subaru’s Symmetrical AWD?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • Sleeplesseyes on Feb 20, 2016 at 7:46 pm

    Seems to me the Germans are proud of doing something which the Japs already done. If anyone wants a proven AWD without breaking the bank, its Subaru.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 9 Thumb down 1
  • Nenek Kau on Feb 21, 2016 at 6:39 am

    Is not the ultra quattro is same concept with normal AWD system? Dodge Durango AWD for instant, is by default is a RWD system but when it demands the traction, it will distribute the torque to the front wheel and become AWD.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
 

Add a comment

required

required