| New breakthrough technology that
enhances vehicle stability and provides cornering performance that responds
to driver demands has been showcased by engineering specialists Honda.
Honda's
all-wheel drive system, SH-AWD |
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The new super handling all-wheel drive system, called the SH-AWD, is
the world’s first technology that combines front and rear torque
distribution control with independently regulated torque distribution
to the left and right of the rear wheels to freely distribute the optimum
amount of torque to all four wheels in accordance to driving conditions.
By making use of hi-tech sensors, the SH-AWD system determines the optimum
front-rear and lateral torque distribution for the vehicle.
Such data is then passed on to the rear differential, where the direct
electromagnetic clutches continuously regulate and vary front-rear torque
distribution between ratios varying from 30:70 and 70:30. The lateral
torque distribution ranges from 100:0 and 0:100.
The system itself operates from sensors to detect steering angles and
lateral G. Other essential vehicle data is glossed from the ECU and the
rear differential.
The direct electromagnetic clutches inside the rear differential –
another world first from the Japanese OEM – employs electromagnets
to obtain precise control over multi-plate clutches. Built-in search coils
monitor the gaps between the electromagnets and the magnetic body to achieve
precise and continuously variable torque regulation.
A third world’s first on this system is the rear differential that
is also equipped with a built-in acceleration device.
Honda points to the cornering of a vehicle to highlight the potential
of the system, saying that the track of the outside rear wheel usually
falls outside the average of the tracks of the front wheels, with the
outside rear wheel also not being able to rotate fast enough to keep up
with the front wheels, thus preventing efficient transmission of torque.
In a bid to overcome this problem, the SH-AWD acceleration device alters
the gearing to speed-up the outside rear wheel’s rotation relative
to that of the front wheels. This, says Honda engineers, reduces torque
transmission loss and also significantly improves vehicle manoeuvrability.
Finally, the new SH-AWD system also features a ‘fast-forward’
control function, which utilises the degree of driver input to determine
appropriate torque distribution. Honda claims that this results in a super-neutral
steering feel for the driver that responds precisely to the driver’s
handling of the steering wheel, realising outstanding driving comfort
and stability.
Honda has already confirmed the new system will become available later
this year in the Acura RL in North America and Honda Legend in Japan.
AE has learnt that the technology will come across to Europe later next
year.
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