Audi quattro ultra, all-wheel drive with maximum efficiency

Audi has announced the launch of a new type of quattro all-wheel drive that sets the benchmark for efficiency.

The system is known as “quattro with ultra technology”, and it delivers better fuel economy and improved consumption figures.

quattro all-wheel drive technology has proven its effectiveness over several decades, and its well-established performance across decades of models from the brand of the four rings has made quattro drive a symbol of identity for Audi.

However, until now any all-wheel drive system has carried the disadvantage of the greater number of components, which add to the vehicle’s total weight, increase drag and, consequently, result in poorer performance and consumption figures.

It seems Audi wants to turn this approach on its head with a new version of quattro drive called “quattro ultra”, which will arrive mid-year across multiple models in the range, debuting on the A4 Allroad, a model that was unveiled only three months ago. This system has been developed for any model with a longitudinally mounted front engine.

This new all-wheel drive system is no longer permanent: it disengages when it is not needed. That said, it is not a connectable all-wheel drive system like a traditional Haldex; instead, it has predictive capability, engaging the rear axle before it becomes necessary.

How does the quattro ultra system work?

Thanks to a comprehensive network of computers, control units and sensors, the all-wheel drive system is able to update its status every 10 milliseconds, enabling rapid action before the driver requires it. Activation of the all-wheel drive follows a three-phase strategy: proactive, predictive and reactive.

This system activates in three phases: proactive, predictive and reactive

In the proactive phase, the system uses various parameters to calculate the exact moment at which the corresponding wheel will reach the limit of grip. This calculation is made roughly half a second before this happens, giving the system ample time to engage drive to the axle.

When we move into the predictive phase, the vehicle is guided by driving style, ESP data and the driving mode selected in the Audi Drive Select. If we move to the reactive phase, which according to Audi is the least likely, the system reacts to sudden changes in traction, such as a abrupt transition from dry asphalt to ice or mud.

Source | Audi