E
Edward Hayes
From: "Edward Hayes" <(e-mail address removed)>
Subject: Re: Subaru Automatic AWD isn't really, in most models
Date: Tuesday, October 21, 2003 2:45 PM
Subaru of America (tech dept) and Subaru of Australia claim that my 2000
Forester AUTOMATIC has a default ratio of 60 front/40 rear until wheel
Torque difference is detected. The AT is almost always in a state of flux
and is always activated unlike the locking center differential on the MT
models. The 60/40 default ratio is fixed by the transfer gear set as shown
in the Subaru Factory Manual. Power is transferred by a "continuously
variable clutch pack" behind the transfer gear set in the transmission. The
same gear set is reversed to obtain a default ratio of 40/60 for the Impresa
GT ? To quote Subaru literature "to give a more sporting feel in spirited
driving" I think the "old" Subarus that were front or all wheel drive
depending on whether the system was activated may be where the 90/10 or
100/0 idea came from. The AT system even in the base Subaru is a far more
advanced AWD system. In fact Subaru called it the thinking mans transmission
for its almost instantaneous reaction to wheel torque compared to the
locking differential which is locked until wheels slip and then the silicone
oil heats and then power is transferred. Subaru factory racers have a switch
to deactivate the locked center differential so as to bypass the much
delayed power transfer. Let us get our facts in line before typing.
Subject: Re: Subaru Automatic AWD isn't really, in most models
Date: Tuesday, October 21, 2003 2:45 PM
Subaru of America (tech dept) and Subaru of Australia claim that my 2000
Forester AUTOMATIC has a default ratio of 60 front/40 rear until wheel
Torque difference is detected. The AT is almost always in a state of flux
and is always activated unlike the locking center differential on the MT
models. The 60/40 default ratio is fixed by the transfer gear set as shown
in the Subaru Factory Manual. Power is transferred by a "continuously
variable clutch pack" behind the transfer gear set in the transmission. The
same gear set is reversed to obtain a default ratio of 40/60 for the Impresa
GT ? To quote Subaru literature "to give a more sporting feel in spirited
driving" I think the "old" Subarus that were front or all wheel drive
depending on whether the system was activated may be where the 90/10 or
100/0 idea came from. The AT system even in the base Subaru is a far more
advanced AWD system. In fact Subaru called it the thinking mans transmission
for its almost instantaneous reaction to wheel torque compared to the
locking differential which is locked until wheels slip and then the silicone
oil heats and then power is transferred. Subaru factory racers have a switch
to deactivate the locked center differential so as to bypass the much
delayed power transfer. Let us get our facts in line before typing.