Torque vectoring is a technology employed in automobile differentials that has the ability to vary the torque to each half-shaft with an electronic system; or in rail vehicles which achieve the same using individually motored wheels. This method of power transfer has recently become popular in all-wheel drive vehicles. Some newer front-wheel drive vehicles also have a basic torque vectoring differential. As technology in the automotive industry improves, more vehicles are equipped with torque vectoring differentials. This allows for the wheels to grip the road for better launch and handling.
History
In 1996, Honda and Mitsubishi released sporty vehicles with torque vectoring systems. The torque vectoring idea builds on the basic principles of a standard differential. A torque vectoring differential performs basic differential tasks while also transmitting torque independently between wheels. This torque transferring ability improves handling and traction in almost any situation. Torque vectoring differentials were originally used in racing. Mitsubishi rally cars were some of the earliest to use the technology. The technology has slowly developed and is now being implemented in a small variety of production vehicles. The most common use of torque vectoring in automobiles today is in all-wheel drive vehicles.
The flagship 1996 fifth-generation Honda Prelude was equipped with an Active Torque Transfer System (ATTS) torque-vectoring differential driving the front wheels; it was known in different markets as the Type S (Japan), VTi-S (Europe), and Type SH (North America). In essence, ATTS is a small automatic transmission coupled to the differential, with an electronic control unit actuating clutches to vary the torque output between each driven wheel. ATTS effectively counteracted the natural tendency of the front-engine, front-wheel-drive Prelude to understeer. Honda later developed the system into their Super Handling all-wheel-drive (SH-AWD) system by 2004, which improved handling by increasing torque to the outside wheels.
At about the same time, the Lancer Evolution IV GSR was equipped with a similar Active Yaw Control (AYC) system in 1996. AYC was fitted to the rear wheels and similarly works to counteract understeer through a series of electronically-controlled clutches that control torque output.
The phrase "Torque Vectoring" was first used by Ricardo in 2006 in relation to their driveline technologies.
Functional description
The idea and implementation of torque vectoring are both complex. The main goal of torque vectoring is to independently vary torque to each wheel. Differentials generally consist of only mechanical components. A torque vectoring differential requires an electronic monitoring system in addition to standard mechanical components. This electronic system tells the differential when and how to vary the torque. Due to the number of wheels that receive power, a front or rear wheel drive differential is less complex than an all-wheel drive differential. The impact of torque distribution is the generation of yaw moment arising from longitudinal forces and changes to the lateral resistance generated by each tire. Applying more longitudinal force reduces the lateral resistance that can be generated. The specific driving condition dictates what the trade-off should be to either damp or excite yaw acceleration. The function is independent of technology and could be achieved by driveline devices for a conventional powertrain, or with electrical torque sources. Then comes the practical element of integration with brake stability functions for both fun and safety.