Driving Dynamics on Dry Road Surface

That the Torsen differential works correctly and ingeniously on poor road grip can no longer be disputed. Therefore, an additional explanation of what happens in the drivetrain of an Audi all-wheel-drive vehicle on dry road is given here: as already mentioned, the front wheels travel a longer distance in corners than the rear wheels, because the rear wheels describe a circle of smaller radius.

Based on this, the Torsen differential transfers greater traction force to the rear axle (due to its lower rotational speed), which supports the desired turn-in tendency.

If the driver enters a corner too abruptly and one of the rear wheels spins, the differential immediately directs more traction force to the (at that moment) ‘slower’ front wheels. The rapid response of the system causes the front wheels to pull harder, which stabilizes the vehicle. Effect: handling characteristics in the critical cornering range are significantly improved.