Audi S3 question

Crizzy

Crizzy

Crizzy

Associate
Joined
31 May 2007
Posts
2,476
Location
Bristol
Hi everyone,

Does anyone know how the four wheel drive system works on these? is it permanently engaged or does the four wheel drive system only kick in when needed? I always assumed the latter but I have a friend who is getting one and after speaking with him I'm now not sure?

Car in question is a brand new S3 saloon if it makes a difference?

Thanks
 
Crizzy said:
Hi everyone,

Does anyone know how the four wheel drive system works on these? is it permanently engaged or does the four wheel drive system only kick in when needed? I always assumed the latter but I have a friend who is getting one and after speaking with him I'm now not sure?

Car in question is a brand new S3 saloon if it makes a difference?

Thanks
Click to expand...

They use the Haldex system so in normal use they are 2WD, but the rears kick in when traction loss is detected.
 
Plus the Haldex system changed in recent generations, iirc newer models can move much more power to the rear as standard, plus they can shift the power before they detect any slip.

But it's not full time 4wd.
 
XeNoN89 said:
Pretty sure it depends on the series of car rather than individual models. If I remembered correctly A1,A3,TT use Haldex, anything bigger use full 4wd
Click to expand...

I *think* it's down to how the engine is mounted. Transverse=Haldex, Longtitudinal=Torsen Diff
 
On the new S3's many are complaining about loss of grip and understeer in the wet, thus I suspect the bias is to the front wheels even when they lose grip.
 
chriscatt said:
On the new S3's many are complaining about loss of grip and understeer in the wet, thus I suspect the bias is to the front wheels even when they lose grip.
Click to expand...

I'd imagine most of those are foot flat to the floor and turning full lock complaining about understeer. Haldex is not there to eliminate understeer and it certainly won't oversteer from just pure power.

Most recent Haldex controllers can send more than 60% of the power to the rear wheels as and when it detects it needs it to a particular wheel.

It's very smooth to engage and you probably won't be able to tell the difference when it does. Mine doesn't wheel spin at all and a big part of that is because power is sent to the rear wheels.

I think for an S3 if it has proper Quattro (which it doesnt) or Haldex is doesn't really make much difference due to the chassis and power.
 
scratch said:
I *think* it's down to how the engine is mounted. Transverse=Haldex, Longtitudinal=Torsen Diff
Click to expand...

You are right !

Generally speaking its the a3/tt/q3 that use the inferior haldex.

There are controllers available to make it more full time..

Haldex cars understeer more than their neutral balance torsen based diff quattro cars..
 
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