Torsen at the Limit

[Kennon Hines <kwh@bellsouth.net>]

I'm back on the Q-list after a long absence.  I'll be reviewing the '98
A6q (parents) in the near future, but first I must address the Torsen
debate.

I guess I'm more curious than anything because my CQ has never
demonstrated any of the "hunting" or unpredictable behavior some of you
have discussed.  Maybe I just haven't taken it past 7/10ths, but I did
spend last winter trying to in the Colorado mountains.  Granted, I was
running studded Hakka 10s.  I could get the back end to break loose, but
only by over-applying power while making a tight turn.  With the Torsen
sending power to the front, it was simple to correct with the throttle
and a little opposite-lock.

This question is made even more curious by the comments in Car's recent
Giant Test featuring the new S4:
		Of course, the S4 has its limit, too, but it arrives with
		a subtlety which lets you dial in speed adjustments in small,
		safe doses.
		The S4 is a natural understeerer, but you can rein it in by
		reducing throttle opening and steering lock.  Voila - now
		the Audi is ready to execute a perfect powerslide.  With all
		four wheels in drift mode, the S4 strikes an intriguing
		balance between slip and grip, while remaining totally
		controllable...
Sounds pretty good to me.  This is with a Torsen center diff with slight
rear bias.  I assume most of the above description applies to speeds
above the EDL threshold.  So, what gives?

Regards,

Kennon W. Hines
1990 Coupe Quattro
Atlanta, GA