Audi A1 Quattro Test Car
During the Fascination of quattro’ event taking place in Montreal to celebrate the past, present and future of the legendary four-wheel-drive system, which reached its 30th anniversary in 2010, Audi is testing a new Quattro model.
It is the four-wheel-drive version of the A1 hatchback, set to be the first car in this segment to get AWD.
The Quattro system of the A1 is very similar to that used in A3 and TT models, which means the system send most of the power to front wheels most of the time, and only engages rear wheels when the front ones start losing traction.
At its core is an electronically controlled, hydraulically actuated multi-plate clutch located in front of the rear axle for an optimized distribution of weight. Inside is a package of plates that rotate in an oil bath. During normal driving, the clutch sends most of the engine’s power to the front wheels. If the front axle loses grip, the clutch can instantly transfer torque to the rear axle by forcing the plate packages together. A pressure reservoir helps the electric pump to develop the necessary oil pressure.
