| Fabvsix |
Here it is:
Preliminary RL Info: New "Super Handling AWD" System announced
Date: March 31, 2004 23:44
Submitted by: Jeff
Source: Honda PR
Credibility Rating: 10
The following is the press release from Honda's world news site:
Honda Develops World’s First Super Handling All-Wheel-Drive Available this fall in the Acura RL (North America) and the Legend (Japan)
TOKYO - April 1, 2004 --- Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today announced the development of a new Super Handling All-Wheel-Drive system, called SH-AWD, that provides cornering performance that responds faithfully to driver input, and outstanding vehicle stability. 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. The new system will be available this fall in the Acura RL (North America) and the Legend (Japan).
By monitoring driver input and driving conditions, the SH-AWD system determines the optimum front-rear and lateral (left-right) torque distribution. This information is then conveyed to the rear differential, where direct electromagnetic clutches continuously regulate and vary front-rear torque distribution between ratios of 30:70 and 70:30, and lateral torque distribution in the rear wheels between ratios of 100:0 and 0:100. Torque is used not only for propulsion, but for cornering as well, resulting in a significant enhancement in vehicle maneuverability.
The SH-AWD system is composed of sensors to detect steering angle, lateral g, and other vehicle information; an ECU; and the rear differential. The direct electromagnetic clutches inside the rear differential, another world’s first, employ electromagnets to obtain precise control over the multi-plate clutches. Built-in search coils monitor the gaps between the electromagnets and the magnetic body to achieve precise, continuously variable torque regulation.
The rear differential is also equipped with a built-in acceleration device, yet another world’s first. During cornering, the track of the outside rear wheel normally falls outside the average of the tracks of the front wheels. The outside rear wheel does not rotate fast enough to keep up with the front wheels, preventing efficient transmission of torque. To counteract this problem, the SH-AWD acceleration device alters the gearing to speed up the outside rear wheel’s rotation relative to the front wheels. This reduces torque transmission losses and significantly improves vehicle maneuverability.
At Honda, driving pleasure is regarded as one of the most important factors in vehicle development. The new SH-AWD system features “feed-forward” control, which utilizes the degree of driver input to determine appropriate torque distribution. This results in a super-neutral steering feel that responds with optimal faithfulness to the driver’s handling of the steering wheel, realizing outstanding driving comfort and stability.
SH-AWD system (rear differential cutaway model)
Torque Distribution Regulation
Acceleration during cornering
Torque to the rear wheels is continuously varied to supply up to 100% to the outside wheel and 0% to the inside wheel. This creates an inward yaw moment, significantly improving vehicle handling.
*Yaw moment is turning torque relative to the vertical axis running through the vehicle’s center of gravity.
Deceleration during cornering (throttle closed)
Torque to the outside rear wheel is freely varied to change from an inward to an outward yaw moment, ensuring vehicle stability at all times.
Straight-line driving
Front-rear torque distribution is regulated for optimum performance in accordance with the amount of torque produced. During rapid acceleration the load on the front wheels is reduced; conversely, rear-wheel load is reduced during cruising. The result is stable driving at all times
System Configuration
World’s first direct electromagnetic clutch
An electromagnetic coil (electromagnet) attracts a magnetic body which, in turn, presses on the multi-plate clutch to facilitate torque transmission. A compact clutch unit, equipped with a planetary gear step-up mechanism to increase torque, permits transmission of substantial amounts of torque. A built-in search coil monitors the gap between the electromagnetic coil and the magnetic body. Current flow in the electromagnetic clutch is then adjusted to achieve highly precise torque regulation.
Acceleration Device
During straight-ahead driving, the twin-pinion planetary carrier spins in synchronization with the propeller shaft, causing the front and rear wheels to turn at the same speed. When the vehicle enters a curve, however, the planetary carrier is locked to the case, releasing the device from synchronization with the propeller shaft and accelerating the rotation speed of the rear wheels. A hydraulic actuator which turns the clutches on and off, and a one-way clutch are included in this compact configuration.
Sensors, ECU
The input of steering angle, lateral g, yaw rate, wheel speed and other sensors monitor driver input, vehicle demeanor, and driving conditions such that the SH-AWD ECU can calculate ideal torque distribution.
System Overview
Operational Flow
Rear Differential Unit
NOTE: It should be noted that though it carries a different name, this system is virtually identical to the VTM-4 system currently found in the MDX and Pilot. The differences lie largely in the programming of the logic to allow for the left to right rear torque biasing. |
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| Fabvsix |
| Rear shot ! Wow ...... |
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| Hey-Jude |
| That sounds pretty nifty. I wonder if that will become the standard. Or at least when it will be available on the TL. I can probably drive my beater Camry another year or two if I have to. |
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| Fabvsix |
| I doubt it. For now the new Honda Accord and Acura RL will have AWD systems. |
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| The X-men |
| Sounds like a good 4WD system built for the foul weather and handling as well. |
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| robrecht |
quote:
Originally posted by Fabvsix
NOTE: It should be noted that though it carries a different name, this system is virtually identical to the VTM-4 system currently found in the MDX and Pilot. The differences lie largely in the programming of the logic to allow for the left to right rear torque biasing.
Thanks for the post, Fabvsix. I'm certainly no expert, but it also seems to more aggressively involve distribution of torque to the the rear wheels than the current VTM-4. |
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| dbehrens |
There is a new AWD system on the redesigned RL. Do you think the MDX will have this next year?
NEW RL
Or will the new MDX be a hybrid? |
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| srpbep |
I read an article recently regarding the many coming introdcutions of hybrids. On the topic of Honda:
** Honda announced that it was going to introduce hybrids in the Pilot and Accord.
** NOTHING about the MDX or Acura.
** May very well be that the Pilot will be first!!!
In thinking about this, that does make some sense. The Pilot needs this to stay competitive. The MDX has suffered from competition (including the Pilot!!). I suspect that any changes to the MDX are going to wait for the "brand new MDX" coming in ????. |
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| vicpai |
......it would be a relatively safe bet, that the redesigned MDX (very likely the 2006 model) will offer a hybrid version at least, in order to compete with the Lexus RX 400h (hybrid verison of the RX 330). Rumor has it that the new smaller SUV to join the Acura lineup (the RDX) will very likely have a hybrid powertrain.
Many had speculated that the new RL was going to be a hybrid, but that turned out not to be the case. All it's 300 horses come from 3.5 liters of "gasoline power" |
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| renov8r |
... and my guess is that Honda does too.
With the Highlander & RX400 both offering hybrids, along with a FOrd Escape & probably something from Nissan as well it seems HIGHLY LIKELY that Honda will HAVE TO offer at least one hybrid SUV.
The difficult choice will be do they offer one in the Pilot class or the CRV. The potential fro truly impressive mileage (like 40+) would seem to favor the CRV class vehicle. The potential for "hauling" room" would favor the Pilot...
My guess (today):
Honda will get a hybrid version of the ELEMENT & the "new" pickup.
Aciura will get a new "CRV-sixed SUV with a hybrid power plant.
There will NOT be a hybird that has all the size/featurees of the Pilot or MDX ---the pricing of a Pilot would push it into MDX teritory , and the MDX would be priced like an NSX...
The Element_H model can be a "loss leader" like the Prius (and the earth first crowd will love it). The pick-up might be a way for Honda to get traditional fleet buyers to look at Honda. The Acura CRV-sized H class vehicel will offer stellar power and "very good" (high 30s) MPG...
That is where I sit today. If fuel prices climb & STAY HIGH the stratgey can change, but the power plants ARE NOT CHEAP to make/sell. Honda won't risk building "too many" , nor will they risk losing buyers to Toyota for more than a year.... |
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| yogi799 |
New technology that also distibutes different power between left and right wheel???
I thought MDX already had this "new" technology???!!! With the VTM-4 style rear differential, the system of two rear VTM clutches applies varied amount of power to left rear and right rear wheel. Is it not so? |
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| ndahbar |
quote:
Originally posted by yogi799
New technology that also distibutes different power between left and right wheel???
I thought MDX already had this "new" technology???!!! With the VTM-4 style rear differential, the system of two rear VTM clutches applies varied amount of power to left rear and right rear wheel. Is it not so?
Nope. VTM-4, Quattro, BMW's new X-drive...these all vary torque to the different wheels based on SLIPPAGE. SH-AWD will do it while cornering to enhance grip. First system to do that.
I am DROOLING over the 2005 RL. DANG it's amazing in every way. 300 horse, F1-style paddle shifts (also has +/- traditional gate), SH-AWD, adaptive xenon, LEDs including ones on the side mirrors, updated Nav with LIVE UPDATES OF TRAFFIC JAMS/ACCIDENTS/CONSTRUCTION events (whoa!), power tilt-telescope steering wheel, KEYLESS GO, REAL top-quality leather, REAL WOOD trim, 100% MADE IN JAPAN, brand new DVD-A 10-speaker audio system, the list goes on. And it looks AWESOME. Interior too.
All this for under 50K. Who needs an MDX. ;)
http://www.vtec.net/ |
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| ndahbar |
You know, I was in the supermarket today, and while pushing my cart around, I realized something. You know when you wanna turn the cart quickly, what you have to do? Say you wanna turn to the right, what you do is you push hard on the very left corner with your arm (TORQUE) and it turns much quicker than if you try to steer it otherwise.
That's pretty much what (one of the things) this system does !! It's amazing that it's the 1st of its kind. Remember, Quattro and other AWD systems are all REACTIVE to SLIPPAGE, they don't aid at all when the vehicle's tires are not slipping. Honda's SH-AWD will actually send torque disproprotionately to the rear left wheel when it senes you want to turn aggressively into a right hand sweeper or corner, aiding the gyration (yaw moment) of the chassis with max grip.
I think this system will hit the automotive world hard, blowing many away. Expect it to come to many of Honda's and Acura's cars, perhaps becoming like Audi's Quattro (available on virtually every vehicle they sell). Certainly will be on the 2007 MDX if you ask me !!!
Here's more about it:
http://world.honda.com/news/2004/4040401.html
Why can't Honda just make women?
A Honda-brand woman would be:
Reliable
Ergonomic
Low-maintenance
Equipped with i-VTEC so that she'll be mild-mannered in public and a devil in the sack :) |
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| jswift2000 |
quote:
Why can't Honda just make women?
A Honda-brand woman would be:
Reliable
Ergonomic
Low-maintenance
Equipped with i-VTEC so that she'll be mild-mannered in public and a devil in the sack :)
LOL!!!! :2: |
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| frostyra |
| Sounds like a VTM-4 on steroids. I imagine it will be a l-o-o-o-n-g time before there's anything but MSRP on the new RL! |
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| DaleB |
quote:
Originally posted by ndahbar
Why can't Honda just make women?
A Honda-brand woman would be:
Reliable
Ergonomic
Low-maintenance
Equipped with i-VTEC so that she'll be mild-mannered in public and a devil in the sack :)
Kind of a Step-Side wife? :D |
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| frostyra |
quote:
Originally posted by DaleB
Kind of a Step-Side wife? :D
Now THERE'S a weisenheimer! (Yer showin' yer age with that comment, boy :D ) |
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| The X-men |
| If cars are like woman, then would you guys rather have a woman like a BMW, high performer, high maintenance and expensive to keep or an Acura, reliable, low maintenance and practical? |
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| mogur |
I want one with a transmission that won't give out early and without warning <LOL>! As a BMW owner as well, I'd take the Bimmer model...
quote:
Originally posted by The X-men
If cars are like woman, then would you guys rather have a woman like a BMW, high performer, high maintenance and expensive to keep or an Acura, reliable, low maintenance and practical?
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| y2ks2k |
| Im holding off on my opnion of AWD -SH until its put into serious action. I am doubting it. I find VTM-4 on my MDX to be almost worthless. If AWD-SH can out AWD my Sti, and then they put it on say a TSX the say TL V6, Id buy. |
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| XStatic |
New York 04/07/2004 -- The Acura RL Prototype, which makes its world debut today at the New York International Auto Show, features a revolutionary new all-wheel-drive system called SH-AWD(TM). The SH-AWD (Super-Handling All-Wheel-Drive) system is the first and only all-wheel-drive platform that distributes the optimum amount of torque not only between the front and rear wheels but also between the left and right rear wheels. The result is precise cornering performance that provides incredibly neutral steering and outstanding vehicle stability.
By monitoring driver input and driving conditions, the SH-AWD system determines the optimum front-rear and lateral (left-right) torque distribution. This information is then conveyed to the rear differential, where direct electromagnetic clutches continuously vary the front-to-rear torque by up to 70 percent in either direction. Rear torque can also be apportioned between the left and right rear tires by up to 100 percent on either side.
The SH-AWD system is composed of an ECU, sensors that detect steering angle, lateral g-force, and other vehicle information, and a rear differential. The direct electromagnetic clutches inside the rear differential, another industry first, employ electromagnets to maintain precise control over the multi-plate clutches.
The SH-AWD system uses torque not only for propulsion, but also to increase cornering precision and dramatically enhance vehicle maneuverability. During cornering the speed of the outside rear wheel is greater than the average of both front wheels. This prevents the efficient transfer of torque to the outside rear wheel. To counteract this condition, the SH-AWD system's rear differential is equipped with a built-in acceleration device that can overdrive the outside rear wheel. This acceleration device, which is another industry first, uses a planetary gear to speed up the outside rear wheel's rotation relative to the front wheels. The result is a significant enhancement in vehicle maneuverability during cornering.
SH-AWD system torque regulation
Acceleration while cornering: Torque to the rear wheels is continuously varied to supply up to 100 percent to the outside wheel. This creates an inward yaw moment, significantly improving vehicle handling precision.
Deceleration (throttle closed) while cornering: Torque to the outside rear wheel is varied to change from an inward to an outward yaw moment, helping vehicle stability at all times.
Straight-line driving: Front-rear torque distribution is modulated for optimum performance. During rapid acceleration, torque is redistributed from the front wheels to the rear wheels. Conversely, during cruising, torque is concentrated in the front wheels. The result is additional driving stability.
http://www.hondanews.com/CatID3046?...=asc&archives=t |
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| mogur |
Man, talk about marketing-speak! Whoever wrote this could use 4 paragraphs to describe an egg and make you think it was revolutionary and that they had invented it! They should look up the definition of a differential...
quote:
[i]Preliminary RL Info: New "Super Handling AWD" System announced
[/B]
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| wmquan |
quote:
Originally posted by mogur
Man, talk about marketing-speak! Whoever wrote this could use 4 paragraphs to describe an egg and make you think it was revolutionary and that they had invented it! The should look up the definition of a differential...
I agree. There are some advancements in this system over VTM-4, but I would hardly call this a revolutionary technology. |
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| Jim03MDX |
I had assumed the new RL was going to be built in the U.S. but I was at my dealer today getting an oil change and the salesman that sold me my MDX said he thought Japan (I know, never listen to the sales guy :twak: ).
Does anyone know for sure? |
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