Re: Torsen vs gen 1 center diff.

[Dave Eaton <dave.eaton@minedu.govt.nz>]

the ability to modify power delivery through the wheels to optimise traction is
a *good* thing.  i've just read a long article about awd by 'possum' bourne who
is the (kiwi) australian national rally champion (subaru wrx).  he puts this
point up in lights and states it as a major safety and performance
consideration on the road (not just the rally).  we all know and appreciate
this about quattro.

by the way the behaviour of which you speak (modifying torque distribution) is
exactly what the current-day active diffs are doing in the wrc rally cars...

dave
'95 rs2
'90 ur-q

>
>Date: Mon, 2 Mar 1998 16:28:17 +0100
>From: thyrsted@olsy.dk (Kenn Thyrsted Nielsen)
>Subject: Torsen vs gen 1 center diff.
>
>
>Why would a racing car be built with a lot of effort going into the right
>weight-distribution ?
>And when that is done, the car has to be set up correctly wich (among other
>things ) is balance.
>
>A (race-) car with changing balance is very difficult to handle, and
>therefore it is desirable to have a car where the "virtual center of weight"
>isn't changing.
>
>When a torsen is changing the torque distribution ratio this WILL change the
>balance of the car.
>If this is done while cornering the car WILL change its behaviour.
>Everybody should be able to agree with that.
>
>As the torsen does not sleep, it monitors traction all the time .
>When conditions are at the limit, i argue that it IS POSSIBLE that the
>torsen can change the balance of the car so fast that you can not correct
>this behavior, and if it starts "hunting grip" front/rear (wich it is
>designed for) i think you'll have to be *very* quick.  "The bite", as i
>understand it.
>
>Why will that never happen ?
>
>Kenn