Audi's new plug-in hybrid RS5 features a revolutionary electro-mechanical torque vectoring system, offering unparalleled control and driving experience. Whether it's lap times or effortless drifts you're chasing, Dynamic Torque Control is happy to abide. This system combines the benefits of both a traditional limited-slip differential and rear mechanical torque vectoring in one, while doing both better than either individual system can.
The key component of this innovative system is a 400-volt, 11-horsepower/30-pound-foot permanent magnet electric motor that serves as the actuator. This motor is paired with a superimposing gearset and an open differential, allowing for torque differences of up to 1475 lb-ft to be deployed to either wheel in either direction, reacting as quickly as 15 milliseconds.
View Price on AmazonThe Honda Prelude SH was the first production car to use active torque vectoring, and plenty of others have followed in its footsteps with varying strategies. However, Audi's Dynamic Torque Control takes this to an entirely different level with its extremely high torque inputs, precision control of said torque, and the ability to reverse the torque, bettering the turn-in stability capabilities of a traditional limited-slip differential.
Audi chassis engineer Andreas Sticht explains how the system works: "So we are slightly on the brake, and we're at the same time steering into the corner. We are just about to release the brake. And in these situations, typically the car wants to rotate into the corner a little bit too much. And we need to stabilize it a little bit here. So here, basically, the drag torque arrives here. And we redirect it, such that we have on the rear right, higher drag torque. So on the left corner situation, we basically slow down the yaw motion of the vehicle."
This system has no limit to the amount of drag torque it can inject, allowing for stabilizing torque to be applied in the exact amount needed, exactly when needed. For example, if 220 lb-ft of drag torque is what helps the car bend itself into a corner on the track under trail braking due to all the external factors, Audi's system can provide that with ease.
Source: roadandtrack.com
