A superior progression of quattro® technology for the R8 Coupé
Because of its mid-engine concept, the quattro all-wheel drive system on the R8 is different. The driveshaft runs from the transmission through the engine's oil sump, to a newly developed front differential and a viscous coupling distributes the power between the rear and front wheels.
With an axle load distribution of 44:56 in favour of the rear, the weight balance of the mid-engine R8 has been perfected. The viscous coupling correspondingly diverts between 10 and 35 per cent of the propulsive power to the front wheels (the viscous coupling transmits a maximum of 160 Nm at a speed difference of 100 rpm). This assures maximum traction, but also preserves the typically agile handling of a mid-engine sports car.
The asymmetric limited-slip differential on the rear axle makes a further contribution towards maintaining balanced handling of the Audi R8. The locking ratio is 25 per cent when accelerating and 45 per cent when coasting. In conjunction with ingenious axle kinematics, this avoids abrupt load reversal reactions, for instance if you switch from accelerating to braking while cornering.
