4MOTION.

A all-wheel drive system increases traction reserves and conveys a reassuring sense of safety even in bad weather or on rough roads. The system increases ride stability, as well as providing outstanding straight-line running and optimum side wind stability. 4MOTION thus not only offers decisive traction benefits, but also permits higher cornering speeds, thereby enhancing both safety and driving enjoyment – always dependent on the road conditions encountered.

According to the design variant, the core of a all-wheel drive system is a differential between the front and rear axles - the so-called centre differential. It distributes the driving forces variably across the front and rear axles. If differing rotation speeds occur between the two axles, such as because one of them is slipping on icy or gravely ground, the system distributes the driving torque accordingly across both axles, diverting a portion of the driving torque to the other axle as required. At the same time, however, minor differences in rotation speed during cornering or manoeuvring also have to be compensated, to prevent torsional stresses in the drive train. The differential also must not impair the functionality of the ESP (Electronic Stabilisation Program), ASR (Anti-Slip Regulation - traction control) and EDL (Electronic Differential Lock) driving dynamics control systems.

Volkswagen currently offers the 4MOTION intelligent all-wheel drive system in the Golf R32 model, across the Tiguan range and the Passat V6 Highline model. The Touareg range utilises the advanced 4XMOTION permanent four-wheel system, which is enhanced for off road conditions. Owing to the widely varying demands to which the models are subject, two differential types are employed:

• Haldex clutch
• Centre differential with electronically controlled multi-plate lock