There’s a bit of a lull in Acura news. Our bated breath does nothing to accelerate the debut of the all-new TLX. The next generation of the NSX – with its fiery enthusiasts clamoring for its release – has some fine tuning before it blazes into showroom floors. What information remains for a new blog post?
Surely, we won’t copy-and-paste (there is a former English teacher on staff, after all).
The answer lies within the engineering of Acura vehicles. We have no need to spend precious time explaining its sleek aesthetics or plush interior design. These are all things you can quickly Google; these are all things easily discernible with a glance. Our best approach is to simplify a complex topic that you would otherwise have to research and read through technical specifications.
Super Handling All-Wheel Drive … henceforth referred to as SH-AWD.
Acura’s SH-AWD is unlike other all-wheel drive systems.
A majority of AWD have three components that make them work: front, center, and rear differentials. In these platforms, the center differential distributes power where traction is needed. The most common split is 70/30 – where the 70 and 30 go is contingent upon what the system determines.
Is this beneficial to drivers?
Of course. It does, however, have limitations. To maintain control and avoid driver over- or under-steering, vehicles with this platform require features like traction control and stability control. These serve important functions, such as applying brake pressure to an individual wheel while cornering.
Well, so what?
Braking while traction is compromised is not the most effective way to avoid an accident. You’re also causing wear and tear on the brake pads and rotors. While having an AWD system like this is better than no system at all, there’s far better alternatives…
Say hello to my little friend!
Acura introduced SH-AWD in 2004. It was lauded by Popular Science as one of the best innovations in automobiles, and CNET.com awarded the RL – the company’s first vehicle equipped with SH-AWD – with the 2005 recognition of “Tech Car of the Year.”
The SH-AWD performs “torque vectoring.” This concept not only divides the power to front and rear wheels, it can also distribute power to individual rear wheels. When a driver corners, the outer rear wheel will be accelerated up to five percent faster than the front wheels; thus, it helps turn the vehicle in the correct direction regardless of the surface. Think of it as a boat: you use one oar with greater force and frequency to turn it.
Now ask us “Why Acura?”