Friday 2nd March 2012

Next Golf to get active diff

Now that we're all up to speed with differentials we can get excited about new tech for Golf 7

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Now that we all know our Torsen diff from our viscous coupling and the difference between eLSDs and active differentials, we can appreciate the benefits to the kind of cars we like. While getting a bit depressed that more and more manufacturers are choosing software rather than hardware when it comes to limited-slip differentials.

VW has been testing active diffs for next Golf

The modern way is to get the car's ESP brain to nip individual brakes to help it round corners instead of redirecting the torque mechanically. Not because it's better (it isn't) but because it's cheaper. But there is good news on that front. Volkswagen has been one of the worst offenders for palming us off with electronic brake intervention and calling it limited-slip diff under the EDS and XDS brand names.

Now it's saying the next Golf GTI will be available with a proper mechanical limited-slip diff, and an electronically controlled one at that.

That would make it the first production front-wheel-drive car in the world to get one.

No cliche left unturned in quest for traction

Even better, it won't be restricted to the Golf. The technology has been developed for what VW internally calls the MQB platform. That will underpin everything from Polo to Passat, not mention small and medium Audis, Seats and Skodas, meaning theoretically they can all use the so-called VAQ tech.

VW wouldn't expand on its use within the group, but did say it would likely be an option on the next generation Golf GTI, the standard version of which will be revealed later this year, as well as the diesel GTD.

This is how good it will be. In a comparison between two racing-prepped Siroccos at the Nurburgring - one with, one without - the VAQ-equipped car averaged 8.5-second faster times. That's because instead of braking away power in the bends to help the car round, it redirects it to the outside wheel. And because it's taking information from throttle position, steering angle and other sources, it should be able to deliver power without the compromises of a passive system on, say, the Renault Megane 265.

Essential 'ring lap stats show extra speed

If it was good as an excellent GKN front-drive LSD we tried on a Mini Cooper S recently, it could offer nicely controllable oversteer into the bargain.

The only drawback will be price. It's an expensive business integrating this tech and the standard Golf GTI isn't cheap. But if it creates the ultimate-handling hot hatch, maybe we won't mind paying.

 

[Skater12]

ok, but what about places it's lost speed in?
Additional weight ect may compromise performance in other ways.

[Skater12]

Nick1point9 said:

Skater12 said:

ok, but what about places it's lost speed in?
Additional weight ect may compromise performance in other ways.

It's low down, sprung mass, can't be any more than 10kg of additional hardware, so will have 4/5 of fk all negative affect on a 1400kg car.

That's fair enough then, i'd assumed it'd be much more of a weight dissadvantage than that.

[Skater12]

Krikkit said:

I think it's time to stop calling the Focus Golf GTI/R et al a hot hatch, they're more like super hatches now, most of them costing £30k or more.

I agree. A hot hatch should still fall into catagories that those in their early 20's can afford to run and insure, while still hooning around the countryside.

Renault 5GT, Clio 16v, Pug 205Gti, Zetec-s Fiesta, Lupo Gti etc etc.

[Skater12]

dhutch said:

Skater12 said:

I agree. A hot hatch should still fall into catagories that those in their early 20's can afford to run and insure, while still hooning around the countryside.

+1

Im 24 and couldnt afford/justify that sort of wonga.
- To be honest, insurance as it is, ive settled on the 306 with the 110bhp 1.8 petrol!


Daniel

Daniel, if you want a quick and insurable new car, you do a lot worse than looking at Diesels like the 207.
A 207 3 door, with the 16 HDI 112BHP is a laugh. Punchy mid range tourque, and decent handling. Also, as a 3 door i reckon its a decent looking car for the money.