[carve]

Hi all. I drove an RDX a while back, and think torque-vectoring diffs are definitely the way of the future. I've been hearing high praise for the diff in the X6, too.

Our 335i's come with crappy open diffs, although LSDs are available. My question though is: "Is anybody working on aftermarket torque-vectoring diffs?" I imagine these things have to be computer controlled...but still...what an upgrade that'd be.

[scheherazade]

Originally Posted by carve

Hi all. I drove an RDX a while back, and think torque-vectoring diffs are definitely the way of the future. I've been hearing high praise for the diff in the X6, too.

Our 335i's come with crappy open diffs, although LSDs are available. My question though is: "Is anybody working on aftermarket torque-vectoring diffs?" I imagine these things have to be computer controlled...but still...what an upgrade that'd be.

SH-AWD from Honda is very advanced.
It actually has a separate clutch for every wheel, and calculates each wheels assigned torque on the fly and actuates the clutches appropriately.
You won't get an LSD that does that.

Torque vectoring diffs are a misnomer.
Quote simply, the helical gears 'press out' as they become loaded, and cause friction against the differential housing, causing a locking/resisting force between left and right.
Nothing is actively moving torque from side to side, it's simply locking both sides together.

That said, 'simple' LSDs are very predictable, and easy to handle. Electronic torque vectoring tends to think for itself, and not consult you before making changes.

I.E. you may slip, and countersteer, and the car will try to correct regardless of your countersteer... and then with your powers combined you 'over correct', and just make it harder.

-scheherazade