It is a generally accepted fact that front wheel drive vehicles tend to understeer and rear wheel drive ones to oversteer. It is possible to obtain configurations in between these two extremes which more or less neutralize the phenomena via adjustment parameters defined by the specialist, provided that a system is available to modify torque distribution. Renault has developed such a system whereby torque distribution between both axles can be controlled and adjusted. The system consists of a wet, pressure-controlled, multidisc clutch located between both axle assemblies. Control logic takes into consideration engine torque, transmission ratio and the vertical loads each axle is subjected to. Tests run on a test vehicle showed the advantages of this type of control system. The paper presents the development and the findings of the study.
Abstract