New A4 Audi drive select - first pic of control & in depth info

[roadrunner]

I found the control module for the Audi drive select (above the left temperature control), with the 4 settings: comfort, auto, dynamic & individual

http://www.imageloop.com/slideshow/9c1c0f7e-26bb-1cac-9bd9-0015c5fd2ed5/content/ac1df408-de21-103d-ac45-0015c5fd2ed5_1188373951588,rw800/image.jpg

http://www.imageloop.com/slideshow/1c64adf7-e357-188b-9cfd-0015c5fd2ed5/content/b7599df9-392d-1a4f-ad9b-0015c5fd2ed5_1188374094012,rw800/image.jpg

Some more info:
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Audi drive select - up to four different cars in one

Those who drive the A4 hard and enthusiastically can choose between two sports suspension settings, or alternatively rely on an innovative technology - the innovative system known as Audi drive select. This is available in various stages, which influence an increasing number of technical components and functions on the car: accelerator pedal response, tiptronic shift points, power steering assistance, the steering ratio and the action of the electronically adjustable shock absorbers - another new feature.
The driver can select the comfort, auto or dynamic modes at switches on the centre console. If the A4 is equipped with the MMI control system, a fourth mode, "Individual", is available; this enables an individual profile of 24 settings to be configured. Audi drive select transforms a single A4 into up to four different cars - a range of driving pleasure, dynamism and ride comfort that is unmatched in the midsize car category.


As fast as a professional rally driver - Audi dynamic steering
The new A4 features yet another pioneering technological development: Audi dynamic steering. Its key element is a superimposed gear system that alters the overall ratio according to road speed and the chosen Audi drive select setting. This concentric-shaft steering gear is extremely compact and light in weight; it has a precise action free from any slack. It was first developed for use in robots and for space travel applications; the expedition vehicles on which it was installed have already traversed the surface of the moon and Mars.

Audi dynamic steering makes the steering ratio more direct at low speeds, with a higher level of power assistance. This renders the steering extremely light when manoeuvring, and only two turns of the wheel are needed from lock to lock. As the car's speed increases, however, the steering ratio becomes gradually less direct and in parallel with this the amount of power assistance is reduced. At high motorway speeds the A4 can therefore be driven smoothly and has excellent straight-line stability.

Audi's high-tech steering can do even more. It is closely networked with the ESP and therefore receives precise information about the car's attitude as the handling limit is approached. If the A4 threatens to oversteer, for instance after an abrupt avoidance manoeuvre, the steering performs slight corrective impulses in the direction needed to reduce this tendency. Such corrective action takes place faster than even an experienced rally driver could react. This rapid response means that brake applications are often not needed, so that the car continues its journey more smoothly and dynamically.

The system also takes action if the car understeers: it selects a more indirect steering ratio for a short time, the aim being to prevent the driver from turning the steering beyond the point at which the tyres still have plenty of road grip. With these capabilities, Audi dynamic steering represents leading-edge technology in this car market segment.

The optional-extra damping control permits individual suspension settings to be chosen. These are based on the lowered sports suspension. Continuously adjustable hydraulic shock absorbers permit the damping characteristic to be varied individually at each wheel. This means optimal contact between the tyre and the road in almost every situation, for greater safety and more dynamic road behaviour.


Greetings
seb.

[Ruergard]

This looks better and better, I wan't to see "real" pics now!

[AudiSuperDriver]

sweet mother of God that's a hot system...

[artur777]

Does anybody know about the Quattro system in new B8?
Is it the same as previous? Or even better one?
May be QTV?

[Leadfoot]

Here is your answer.


Originally by WCF
Audi has a sporty trendsetter in its portfolio: quattro permanent all-wheel drive. The additional traction, dynamism, driving safety and directional stability it provides are clues to Audi’s proverbial technological lead, as summed up in its slogan ‘Vorsprung durch Technik’. For the new A4, this driveline has a 40:60 torque split and therefore distributes power to the wheels in a sportier, more fascinating way than ever before. The 3.2 FSI and 3.0 TDI have the quattro driveline as standard equipment.
The key element in the quattro driveline for the new Audi A4 is a self-locking centre differential. It has an entirely mechanical action and reacts instantly to changes in the driving situation, thus contributing to the car’s sporty, agile road dynamics. In normal driving conditions, it directs 40 percent of engine torque to the front wheels and 60 percent to the rear, but whenever the need arises, the self-locking centre differential takes effect and transmits more torque to the axle with better traction. In this way the new Audi A4 often masters situations close to the traction limit without the ESP/EDL having to intervene, and even if these systems are in action, brake applications are much less frequent.

Hope this helps.

[artur777]

Is that system a QTV?
Or just a first prototype?

Leadfoot, could you please give some of your thoughts!

[Leadfoot]

It sounds to me identical to that of the RS4, A5 and S5 Quattro versions. QTV shifts the power between the rear wheels and I don't see anything in the above statement from WCF to change my mind.