Selectable All Wheel Drive. (part 4)

The Selectable AWD is my favourate one which is mostly used by Jeep Grand Cherokee with SelecTrac transmission.
A Selectable AWD system might not be so popular, but it is considered one of the most useful systems for drivers.
This system incorporates more than standard technology for rendering and distributing power to all wheels. In this system, the driver has to manually select if he wants a two wheel drive or a four wheel drive. One major aspect is that it also enables to select between two types of all wheel control. The driver can select between all wheels being powered with the same amount of torque or the power being automatically distributed to all wheels individually when required. Technically put, you can select between a part-time four-wheel drive or a full-time AWD. And this is the fun part to be a actual driver in a 4x4, but a moving couch. 

Recommend video and Youtube channel:   romanmicagearguy 

Automatic all wheel drive (part 3)

This is an "on-demand" all wheel drive system. Under normal driving conditions, only one axle is powered. When wheel slipping occurs (the driving driveshaft rotates faster than the driven driveshaft), a multiplate hydraulic clutch, viscous coupling, or other similar traction device locks and engages another axle. The torque gets transferred to another axle. As soon as the difference in the front and rear axle speeds is eliminated, the device unlocks and the vehicle goes back to the two-wheel drive mode.

The difference between the traction devices that are used in full-time all wheel drive and automatic all wheel drive systems is that the device used in automatic all wheel drive system replaces the center differential.

Advanced electronically controlled all wheel drive systems can be proactive and lock the traction device even before wheels start to slip - the need of all wheel drive is determined in real-time, based on the information that is collected from different sensors (i.e. g-force sensor, accelerator pedal position, etc.).

Some vehicles let the driver to lock the multiplate hydraulic clutch manually when the driver feels that he needs all wheel drive engaged permanently and before wheels start to slip. For example, in Nissan X-Trail, this is accomplished by pressing a button on the dashboard console. In Subaru Legacy, the clutch is locked when the automatic transmission gear shift lever is at the position "1".

In comparison with traditional AWD and RWD, the Automatic AWD system is more practical on-road and occasionally off-road, however it depends largely  on advanced electrical control which may not be as reliable as traditional AWDs.

Best Small SUVs Reviews ( Part 3 )


Making a lot of "best" lists for many reasons is the 2013 Honda CR-V. It has one of the roomiest cabins you will find in a small SUV, packed with a nice balance of family friendly and high-tech features. Top crash scores make it a preferred choice as a family hauler, and its exceptionally smooth ride quality and commendably steady handling make it a pleasure to drive.

The 2012 Jeep Liberty is another one of the best small SUVs. Useful towing capacity and considerable off-road capabilities beg you to put it to work and get a little muddy. It also offers not one but two different four-wheel drive systems.











Finishing off the list of best small SUVs is the 2012 Nissan Xterra. Innovative cargo features, tons of ground clearance, a body-on-frame construction and an available four-wheel drive system that features low-range gearing will catch the eye of anyone who enjoys taking the path less traveled. If the 66 cubic feet of cargo space is not enough for you, then the standard gear basket and roof rack should help you out. There are even designated storage spaces to hold your water jug and first aid kit.

Although the 2013 models of the Mazda CX-5, Kia Sportage, Ford Escape and Mitsubishi Outlander Sport did not make the list of best small SUVs, they certainly deserve a glance as well.

Best Small SUVs Reviews ( Part 2 )




Premium cabin materials, composed handling, a smooth ride and lively turbocharged engine earn the 2013 Volkswagen Tiguana a spot on the list of best small SUVs. It is available in three trims and offers optional all-wheel drive, which manages to return an average of 23 mpg.












No one can deny that the 2013 Ford Escape is one of the best looking vehicles on this list, but there is more to it than just a modern and sporty exterior. Its outside appearance may lure you in, but it will be the comfortable seating, fantastic fuel economy, abundance of high tech features, strong performance and composed handling that will close the deal.











Next is the 2013 Hyundai Tucson. Sharp styling on the outside is complemented by good fuel economy, sporty handling and exceptional crash test ratings. When you slip behind the wheel, you immediately notice that the cabin is much more upscale than many of its competitors, which is surprising at a base MSRP of only $19,245.

Audi Cross Quattro

In this year's Los Angeles Auto Show, Audi launched its own new concept car, the Audi Cross Cabriolet quattro. The car looks a little like the extended version of the A1 Cabriolet, Audi said this Cross Cabriolet is a convertible and a full-size SUV combination of work
Length：Audi Cross Cabriolet quattro length of 182 inches (4.6 m), 2.5 ft in length than the Tokyo Motor Show exhibition Audi A1 Metroproject, the Quattro concept car, but also than 8 inches long and four-door Jeep Wrangler than Ford's Mustang long6 inches. 75.2 inches, the width of the car basically flat and Mercedes M-Class.
But do not because this convertible version of the Audi A1 excited, we have not finished presentation. The Cross Cabriolet is developed based on the chassis and drivetrain of A4 and A5, the car's height of 64.2 inches, 5 inches higher than the A4 Cabriolet, which also makes it looks more like a Audi Q5 Cabriolet.

Engine：Audi Cross Cabriolet quattro use of the engine is 3.0 liters, the maximum output power of 240 hp TDI engine, peak torque of 369 lb-, in conjunction with quattro permanent four-wheel drive system that can adapt to driving on a variety of road. In addition, the car is also equipped with 21-inch wheels, you can use the electric driver's seat height to allow motorists to obtain the most comfortable driving experience

Fuel consumption：Audi Cross Cabriolet quattro has such excellent engine above also favorably in performance and fuel consumption, average fuel consumption of only 32 mph. This figure is also for Audi outstanding emissions performance of the icing on the cake, so as to satisfy the demanding in the seven years of the introduction of the European emission standards.

Decoration：Audi Cross Cabriolet quattro internal use "Whitehead leather" décor create a classic atmosphere. And an almost known by Audi in the car to use the Google Earth, combined with its navigation system to allow motorists to obtain a wealth of information feast.

Exterior
Audi Cross Cabriolet quattro using "Brass sunset" color appearance, but this color seems to only be used in the concept car above, rather than our own car. The car uses aluminum a column tone and black fabric roof, may be in the true light will look better. Exterior lighting uses LED exterior colors (headlights, turn signals, etc.), very beautiful. Underbody include protection devices, can help the body intact through the sand, pebbles to rocks to.
The car's production number of units will be some limitations, the entire roof completely away, out of sight only takes 17 seconds. Expand Cross Cabriolet quattro is not anti-roll bar, looks more like a real off-road vehicles.

Audi R8

Audi R8 (Audi R8) is a mid-engine two-seater supercar, top speed of 316km / h, was launched in 2006 by the German car manufacturer Audi. Audi R8 is Audi's first production mid-engine super sports car, Lamborghini Gallardo-based development platform combines Audi's experience to win in a number of sporting events, technology and break through the traditional concept of the perfect design.
Detailed introduction：

LED:Audi R8 is equipped with a unique Full-LED headlights, LED lighting is purely headlights. The headlights by 54 high-performance LED lights for day and night driving lights, and shows the extreme of Audi's lighting strategy. LED technology consume less energy, environmental protection, and the use of ordinary lighting system with eyes will not be flashing light highlights. Full-LED headlamps first appeared in the 2003 Geneva Motor Show, and the aluminum Audi Space Frame, earthenware brake pads and central suspension V8 engine with FSI technology to become part of the R8 collection technology.

Exterior:Appearance, the Audi R8 in network design black plastic strip instead of the original silver chrome, the headlight redesigned L-design, cross-shaped daytime running lights are more sharp than cash.Six into a light source combined into the turn signal has been redesigned to be arranged above the headlights. Rear, the taillights have been redesigned flat figure eight design compared to the square taillights in the past more offensive, cash oval exhaust pipe round exhaust pipe replaced.

Interior:Throughout the dynamic inside the body, the driver-centric cockpit structure-oriented concepts, it will be the driver, the instrument panel and center console integration. The upper part of the center console of the dashboard slight tilt to the driver.The flat-bottomed steering wheel with a typical Audi sports car style, and easy driver access.Form follows function: the design of the Audi R8 super sports car has always been implementing this concept. In addition to the driver-centric structure, side window frames also reflects the functional concerns of the models, the choice of material has a high degree of texture and comfortable feel.

AUDI A4

Audi A4 Series sects shape has a sense of technology, all aspects of performance is higher than the average mid-size car, so favored by most of the riders.

Audi A4 [1] in three displacement of sales, respectively, is 1.8T, 2.4 and 3.0. Which 1.8T is divided into Silhouette, manual basic the automatic basic, comfortable and leading technology. 2.4 the displacement divided into three Charming, comfortable and sporty and comfortable Exclusive type. Only a displacement of 3.0, and the installation of a quattro all-wheel-drive system.

Audi A4 to see if you stay away and may even be confused and A6. Audi front styling, the benefits of brand features prominent, but the disadvantages are also obvious, is the lack of personality. Fortunately, A4 and A6 head more than the poor, because the domestic A6 been lengthened. Other things added some edge A4 in the rear of the body
  Strong modification
Line, just a little nuances can reflect the different personality to A6 and administrative level.
The design of the Audi A4 car door handles stressed that the ergonomic effect and improve the function. Sensitive pressure points of the handle, easy to open the door. Also provide the best grip handle, forced open the door so that in the event of a car accident.
Audi A4 rear subtleties can not easily be found. Car radio and telecommunications systems antenna is located at the periphery of the window, and painted a dark color, and thus can not see, does not interfere with the harmonious overall appearance of the tail, in the car wash is no need to remove it or indentation to go.
We know that the The imported Audi A4 with a lot of new technology, including a unique structure with high performance adaptive suspension system, so its handling was especially exciting. This regard domestic A4 did not show weakness. Accurate control of the steering wheel, with the person driving the action, feel the front wheels and the front is very flexible and obedient, even for extreme action, can feel the body is smooth, smooth, smooth test easily by Slalom and variable line, an encouraging result. Manual shift buttons on the steering wheel beckons motorists to release his enthusiasm to take the initiative to look for more driving pleasure.

The interior is very common, but three-spoke steering wheel is a bright spot, which provides the function of the thumb subtraction file, the movement is very strong. In addition, the Audi A4 can be optional the luxury equipment only by the C-Class: car navigation system on the center console can watch TV programs or adjust the audio program, BOSE sound for each journey render artistic passion, the Audi A4 also provides a full-size spare tire, reflecting the Audi all user-centered purpose.
Increased occupant space is a priority project of the Audi A4 interior design. Audi A4 have plenty of rear legroom and head and shoulder space, convenient for tall people, especially the head space, much better than its competitors in Mercedes-Benz C-Class and BMW 3 Series.

Audi A4 inherited the tradition of Audi's focus on safety, the number of standard safety equipment for the crew to create the ideal security environment [4], to the international passive safety standards. Both sides of the head protection air curtain covering almost the entire side surface from the A-pillar to the rear of the compartment; Collision Sensor can detect the accident severity, the new intelligent design for the front airbags and ensure airbag timely open.
ESP with state through an integrated automatic control to help the driver control the vehicle in the form of improper steering potential crisis situation, improve the active safety of the Audi A4.

New generation with a new Audi A4 B8 platform guarantee its handling than beyond the preceding paragraph. A new generation of Audi A4 front axle to move forward 154mm engine focus more on the role after the front axle, bringing the center of gravity of the entire vehicle backward, making the whole car before and after the counterweight more balanced handling resulting improved significantly. In addition, through the use of a new body material makes the new Audi A4 body stiffness improve further reduce the weight, more new A4 as the characteristics of the luxury sports car. State-of-the-art Audi dynamic steering system is also based on the intention of the driver and the vehicle speed to enhance timely change the steering ratio, formed by the experience slippery surfaces, the system can also be different on the left and right wheels friction lane departure timely steering adjustment, making the vehicle travels always follow the correct trajectory.
In the past two years, AUDI finally on the total amount of sales in the global market beyond the old rival BMW. The breakthrough hero AUDI this success is undoubtedly the launch in 2008, four generations B8 A4. Not only makes AUDI B8 A4 success beyond occupy about 1/3 of sales of the BMW 3 Series in Germany, the market share leader; more in the Chinese market, with the longer wheelbase, a solid advantage of the Audi brand in the country. It can be said that The B8 A4 successful Audi finally beat the BMW, the contest between victory.