During my Midseason Update, I talked about the upcoming 7th generation Golf R and how it will equipped with the newest version of VW's 4MOTION All Wheel Drive. I'm sure that the newest 4MOTION with its 5th generation Haldex coupling will be absolutely fantastic, however for those of us who already have it.. We seem to be enjoying it as is. This is definitely the case for some of the Stohlman VW sales guys, especially when the weather becomes inclement.
Before we get ahead of ourselves, let's start with the basics. What is 4MOTION? 4MOTION is Volkswagen's registered trademark for their 4 wheel drive systems. Throughout the years, 4MOTION has been used on a number of our models, from the extinct Passat GLX to our current day flagship model, the Touareg. 4MOTION is generally equipped in two ways, based on how the engine is mounted, Haldex and Torsen systems.
Haldex is used for vehicles with transverse engine mounting (East to West), and is an automatic "on-demand" all wheel drive system. In normal driving conditions, the power distribution when using Haldex is 90% to the front, and 10% to the back, almost mimicking a Front Wheel Drive system, primarily powering only one axle. Now when the system feels a wheel slipping, it engages the other axle, transferring torque to that axle. When the system feels that the differences between the axles have been eliminated, the system returns to it's 90/10% split. Vehicles that come equipped with our Haldex system include the CC, Tiguan, and R models.
Torsen is used for vehicles with longitudinal engine mounting (North to South). Torsen is a permanently engaged all wheel drive system where all the wheels are powered at all times. Full time all wheel drive systems have a center differential. This lets each wheel travel different distances while turning. The center differential can also be locked in more slippery situations either manually or automatically. With a Torsen differential, it's a mechanical self-locking center differential, regulating power between the axles as needed. This system is found in our Touareg, and some of our Audi Quattro family members.
Now that we understand how 4MOTION works, see below how some of the Stohlman VW Sales guys spent their snow days while the entire DC/Northern Virginia area shut down over a couple of inches. As a Midwest native, I have no sympathy for those of you who now have cabinets overflowing with non perishable food items that you impulsively bought in anticipation of the East Coast "Blizzard".
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| (2004 R32 photo taken by Christopher Drinkuth, @PrimoLifestyle ) |
Torsen is used for vehicles with longitudinal engine mounting (North to South). Torsen is a permanently engaged all wheel drive system where all the wheels are powered at all times. Full time all wheel drive systems have a center differential. This lets each wheel travel different distances while turning. The center differential can also be locked in more slippery situations either manually or automatically. With a Torsen differential, it's a mechanical self-locking center differential, regulating power between the axles as needed. This system is found in our Touareg, and some of our Audi Quattro family members.
Now that we understand how 4MOTION works, see below how some of the Stohlman VW Sales guys spent their snow days while the entire DC/Northern Virginia area shut down over a couple of inches. As a Midwest native, I have no sympathy for those of you who now have cabinets overflowing with non perishable food items that you impulsively bought in anticipation of the East Coast "Blizzard".
Looks fun, right? So next time you have a work snow day (In my day, I walked to school in SIX inches), don't stock up on bottled water and canned beans. Take out your AWD vehicle, and meet up with our Stohlman folks to do some donuts in empty parking lots - just not the dealership's.
Side note - Doing donuts in parking lots is probably not condoned behavior by Volkswagen AG or Stohlman Automotive Family, so neither party is liable for any ridiculous limits you decide to surpass after reading this post.
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| (2012 Golf R photo taken by Christopher Drinkuth, @PrimoLifestyle ) |
Tweet us @StohlmanAuto your snow day fun with your VW. Until next time!
Esther Cho
VW Product Specialist
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