Sorta new to Quattro... trying to understand how it works...
 

I understand that Quattro uses a Torsen center differential to distribute power between front/rear axles.

What I'm unclear about is how power is distributed left/right. Is this handled only by the traction control electronics?

What type of front/rear differentials do our cars have? BTW, I have an '01 S4 Avant. Are they open diffs or all mechanical?

Thanks for any info.

Re: Sorta new to Quattro... trying to understand how it works...
 

An open differential IS mechanical.

The front diff on all production quattros is of the "open" type diff. The older 016 gear boxes can actually have a Quaiffe limited slip put in.

The rear, I'm not sure if its a limited slip or not. The fishy doesn't say anything about it being an LSD. The diff in the '97 A4tq sounds like the LSD in my CQ at low speeds, so maybe it is...?

both front and rear are open diff.....

Both are open unless..
 

you know...

quattro IV open-open
 

preceding versions had lockers, then Torsen, now edl (ABS conrrolled system).