"Quattro"-Drive for Every Day Driving 845070

An essential feature of the Audi Quattro permanent four-wheel drive system is in the inter-axle differential located on the hollow output shaft in the gearbox: the drive is taken from this differential forward to the front differential through the inside of the hollow shaft, and rearward to a propellor shaft driving the rear differential. The major advantages in everyday driving include improved traction and a reduced tendency toward throttle induced changes of attitude. The greater traction allows not only better progress in difficult road conditions; it also gives better acceleration in difficult traffic situations, such as when joining a busy main road. The more easily predictable handling response to throttle changes means that Quattro vehicles have better tracking stability. Altogether, the active safety and "roadability" are considerably improved. A Quattro gives great driving enjoyment, combined with extraordinary reserves of safety, but using the Quattro's potential to the full also requires a sense of responsibility on the part of the driver. During partial load operation there is a slight economy penalty due to the additional bearing losses and the slight amount of extra weight. Under full load and with high engine power levels, the low tyre slip losses tend rather to improve economy