Thinking about an allroad

[Eric Sanborn]

Here is a section of the Audi press release off AudiWorld's site.  Research
elsewhere said it was only available in Europe to offset some of the smaller
TDI engines.  A post in the Quattrolist archives talks about them being
available in Canada.  For all I know it never made it into production
though.  If it did that is really cool, and a 2600 kg towing capacity is
pretty insane for a wagon.

---

*Progress in all situations: The Low Range transmissions*

Extreme situations call for exceptional methods to handle them. Even an Audi
quattro model with its well-proven all-wheel drive system has everything in
its favour when the going gets difficult and the surface is treacherous. For
the manual-gearbox version of the allroad quattro, Audi's driveline experts
have developed an additional technical feature, available as an optional
extra, that is normally only available on vehicles specially intended for
severe off-road use: the Low Range transmission, which reduces the overall
gearbox ratios by a factor of 1.54.

The effect of this can best be illustrated by comparing a car's road speed
at 1,000 rpm engine speed: if it is 7.9 km/h in the regular 1st gear, it
will be only 4.9 km/h when the Low Range is selected.

Low Range can be engaged at any speed up to 30 km/h, simply by declutching
and pressing the button on the gear lever. The driver can return to the
regular gear ratio just as easily.

The Low Range ratio can remain in use up to 50 km/h, but if the driver tries
to accelerate to a higher speed, an audible warning is heard and the "Low
Range" display flashes on the instrument panel. Above 70 km/h, a further
increase in speed is prevented by an electronic governor.

This optional extra helps the driver to apply engine torque carefully even
at the very lowest speeds. The allroad quattro can be manoeuvred on very
uneven or slippery surfaces or on steep gradients far more easily and
confidently with this additional traction aid in use. Low Range also helps
on very steep downhill slopes by boosting the engine braking effect
considerably, so that the driver can tackle such difficult passages at the
ideal speed.

Towing heavy trailers, a horsebox for example, across a field is far easier
with the Low Range transmission, which enables the allroad quattro to pull
loads of up to 2,300 kilograms in weight.

----

-Eric

On Thu, Jul 29, 2010 at 7:49 PM, NIck Miller <chance9121 at gmail.com> wrote:

> I don't think they have a "high/Low" setting, but maybe you mean a low or
> over-drive like gear for cruising. Audi 01E 6spd<http://www.elektro.com/%7Eaudi/01E/>
> As far as that box goes, this is the one, and I beleive you'll find the DQT
> in this list is the one with a ridiculously low 6th gear.  Its only found in
> the diesels however, so its rare to get ahold of but its the same gearbox
> aside from the gearing.   Its the unit with a .56 end ratio.  Also note the
> rear would have to change in the Allroad as its 4.375 or so.
>
> Scott erm, something, can tell you more, I think he is @ advanced
> automotion.
> http://www.advancedautomotion.com/
>
>