Borgwarner explains how its new limited-slip differential works on the Volkswagen Golf

Although limited-slip differential technology had for years been present in rear-wheel-drive cars, Borgwarner has extended its use to front-wheel-drive vehicles. The German company already includes its first anti-slip system for the front axle on the Volkswagen Golf with the Performance Pack.

The system is known as FXD (Front Cross Differential) and noticeably improves traction, stability and manoeuvrability, without sacrificing engine power. Under certain conditions, and according to the German company, FXD technology brings the vehicle close to the performance levels a four-wheel-drive car would have, at a lower cost and with better fuel consumption.

The new technology uses the same electro-hydraulic actuators recently presented by Borgwarner in its fifth generation all-wheel-drive system. It also uses the same sensors as the AWD versions to generate an electronically controlled torque between the right and left wheels, directing power to the wheel with better grip, even before that wheel starts to spin. The advantage of this system is that it is more efficient than the known systems based on the almost imperceptible application of the brakes to improve traction, since it does not consume as much engine power.

Where cornering needs to be improved, the FXD system also provides torque vectoring, giving more power to the outer wheel to reduce slip. If it is necessary to improve stability in corners, the system will apply more force to the other wheel.

Borgwarner hopes its new front-wheel-drive application will be a less costly alternative for manufacturers, but just as effective as all-wheel drive applied to small and compact vehicles.

Via | Borgwarner