Has anyone seen that Audi is phasing in a new awd system into its lineup? It's called Quattro Ultra. It's first appearing in the 2017 Allroad, or I should say ruining the 2017 Allroad. The new system gets rid of the simple reliable permanent awd system that all but the entry levelA3/Q3 and TT have, and replaces it with a system that disconnects power to the rear axel when the computer thinks its not needed, to save fuel. (If you can afford an Audi, your not really worried about fuel economy anyway). Like the Jeep Cherokee it disconnects the driveshaft at the transmission and rear diff. So much for simple and reliable. with all the electronics, sensors, clutches, etc. that have to be added to make this work, the possibility for expensive failures, really increases over the existing system. Audi says the system is predictive, proactive, and reactive, but how well it works in the real world vs, the lab, or the test road, I guess we will find out. Many of us bought an Audi, because it was about the only option for permanent awd. Now it will be just like almost everyone else and run in front drive. So much for the 40/60 torque split giving my Audi that preferred rear drive feel. Now the car will feel like a front driver. Even when the clutches engage fully, the best the car will do is a 50/50 power split. And that won't be very often, without a center diff. Leaving the clutches locked, will cause tire and drive line wear, since the front and rear axel wouldn't be able to rotate independently. It's hard to call a car a performance car when it runs in front drive. Granted, BMW, and certain Cadillac's, and certain Dodges, disconnect an axel in their awd cars, but at least in performance car fashion, for better feel and handling, its the front axel they disconnect. Sorry I know this is long, but I wonder if Audi even realizes that the quattro is the brands sacred cow, and messing with it like this could backfire for them in a big way.
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Originally Posted by B7Night
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