Re: quattro evolution

[ScharfR@aol.com]

In a message dated 96-04-08 15:09:10 EDT, pgrul.warm@veda.com (Peter Grul)
writes:

>Further comments and corrections are heartily welcomed!

Here is how Audi AG defines the four quattro generations (from a German
training document I saw at the time of the launch of "fourth generation
quattro").

First Generation
The original quattro system with mechanical, manually lockable center
differential, open front axle differential, and mechanically lockable rear
differential. Encompasses all quattros prior to the B3.

Second Generation
Mechanical, self-locking Torsen center differential, open front differential,
and mechanically locking rear diff with automatic unlocking at 25 km/h. First
used on B3, then on subsequent C-Class.

Third Generation
Two fully automatic differential locks, used first on the D1 (V8 quattro).
Open front differential, multi-plate clutch center differential with
electronically controlled locking, and Torsen rear differential. Although
Audi does not mention it, I presume the manual transmission V8 quattros fit
this category as well. Their use of Torsens at center and rear also would
constitute two fully automatic differentials.  The third generation system
was used only on the V8 quattro.

Fourth Generation
Three fully automatic differential locks, consisting of Torsen center and
Electronic Differential Locks (EDL) front and rear.  A variation on the
fourth generation would be the A8 quattro, with a multi-plate clutch center
differential and EDL front and rear.

The thinking seems to be based on the degree of automatic control that is
employed in locking some, or all, of the differentials;

Generation 1 = 0 automatic functions
Generation 2 = 1 automatic locking diff (center)
Generation 3 = 2 automatic locking diffs (center and rear)
Generation 4 = 3 Automatic locking diffs (center, rear and front)

Reasonable enough.  Kind of makes you wonder what they will call the system
to be used on the TT, though.  (anything but Syncro?)