SH-AWD
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
SH-AWD is an acronym for Super Handling All Wheel Drive. It is an all-wheel drive platform designed and engineered by Honda Motor Company who describes it as "A world’s first, the SH-AWD system combines front-rear torque distribution control with independently regulated torque distribution to the left and right rear wheels to freely distribute the optimum amount of torque to all four wheels in accordance with driving conditions".
It was first developed for the 2005 Honda Legend / Acura RL. It also being featured on the 2007 Acura RDX and Acura MDX SUVs.
Note components of the SH-AWD system were developed by BorgWarner. It essentially is a set of clutchpacks in a T shaped differental at the rear of the vehicle. There is no center differential. Rather the vehicle's have transverse mounted engine's with power take off units going to the T shaped rear differential/clutch packs. The three clutch packs can engage for the right rear wheel, the left rear wheel, or near the base of the T. The system sends 70% of power to the front wheels and 30% to the rear under normal conditions but these ratios can reverse according if needed. The system can work because the clutches can slip under circumstances where the vehicle is turning, thus allowing the rear and front wheels to turn at different rates around a curve on dry surfaces.
Categories: Honda | Acura
