Finally some proof of FULL TIME AWD

18206 Views 55 Replies 33 Participants Last post by KevinK2, Dec 18, 2006

digger10t

Discussion Starter · Dec 12, 2006

Hey all. I know it's been debated ad nausem to what extent the rear wheels operate when there is no slippage in the front. Many people have subscribed to the notion that they only receive power when the fronts are slipping, and the computer decides to activate the PTO/Center clutches.

Well, today I happened to download the audio podcast from mazdausa.com about the mazdapseed6. About a third of the way through the playback, details on the AWD system are given as follows:

"The active torque split differential distrubutes power to the front and rear based on an analysis of yaw rate, lateral G force, steering angle and engine status. Rear distribution ranges from 0 to 50 percent, though the former (0%) only occurs during slow parking lot crawling and when the hand brake is applied so as not to bind the rear drivetrain when the rear wheels are suddenly brought to a stop."

So I guess that pretty much settles the argument...assuming that this material is accurate. Personally I believe the information given the detailed nature of the entire podcast, but of course, take it for what you will.

Edit: I just got towards the end of the podcast, and they said something that actually got a chuckle from me: "...the ride is controlled, but not punishing like some boy-racer tuner."

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rdandy5875

· #2 · Dec 12, 2006

You can feel the rear wheels pushing the car when rounding a corner. And there is no slip from the fronts then, that's all the proof I need.

bsprogs

· #3 · Dec 12, 2006

Good info, I'll have to look more into that

Thanks

digger10t

Discussion Starter · #4 · Dec 12, 2006

After 25 views and no responses I was beginning to think I was alone in being at least mildly happy, lol.

DimSumInABox2Go

· #5 · Dec 12, 2006

Awesome good find!

whooosh

· #6 · Dec 12, 2006

After 25 views and no responses I was beginning to think I was alone in being at least mildly happy, lol.
[/b]

you made my day

Outsider

· #7 · Dec 12, 2006

Awesome good find!
[/b]

I would say this is no news. This has been stated before. And as someone mentioned, it's easy to feel this when driving the car.

J Dragon

· #8 · Dec 12, 2006

Great makes me love the car even more

TCSpeed6

· #9 · Dec 12, 2006

I've confirmed this on the dyno as well with wheel speeds.

freekwonder

· #10 · Dec 12, 2006

nice to know. to bad we can't pull the ebrake and just dyno fwd though. The closest dyno awd dyno to me is 109 for a basic pull. my friends shop has a dyno and I know he would let me use it with little to no charge.

franchize

· #11 · Dec 12, 2006

I'm only happy as it confirms what I've been saying.

Dadasracecar

· #12 · Dec 13, 2006

Also makes sense that those experiencing a described "howl" in the rear end at 45 mph can eliminate it with slight pull of the hand brake. I noticed a noise and sure enough, slightly pulling up on the hand brake makes it go away. Tells me the rear diff is engaged.

Oh, and I've slid it around enough corners to know that when I want it, the rear is working for me...

SixSpeedSleuth

· #13 · Dec 13, 2006

Also makes sense that those experiencing a described "howl" in the rear end at 45 mph can eliminate it with slight pull of the hand brake. I noticed a noise and sure enough, slightly pulling up on the hand brake makes it go away. Tells me the rear diff is engaged.

Oh, and I've slid it around enough corners to know that when I want it, the rear is working for me...
[/b]

Oddly enough, I have this problem with only 500 miles on mine. It's very, very faint and I told the Service manager about it, and that it goes away with the handbrake up. He told me to just drive it, and if it got louder, or something broke, they would fix it. Do you know what the problem is??

More cowbell

· #14 · Dec 13, 2006

there is 5% of torque that goes to the rear @ all time. It can never be on full lock because of binding. MS6 has no center diff, only a coupling. Coupling locks (slipping) to transfer power. If it was on at all the time the coupling would essentially heat up to the point of melting.

repoman

· #15 · Dec 13, 2006

Great makes me love the car even more
[/b]

what makes me happy is watching that woman swing that nice azz around in your avatar!

repo

p.s. great find on the AWD setup.

Redlinez

· #16 · Dec 13, 2006

I assume most dyno runs are done on non-awd dynos, I guess make sure you set that parking brake and you're good huh?

thefurious69

· #17 · Dec 13, 2006

Thanks for the find on our AWD with all the debating before was not sure the real set-up of it.

PerfectXtreme

· #18 · Dec 13, 2006

EVERYONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You want proof... its simple.. go test-drive a FRONT wheel drive vehicle.. or REAR wheel drive.... And you'll know in a SECOND...

Honestly, its hard for me to tell that i have AWD from putting 16,000 miles on it... Till I get into a vehicle that DOESN"T have it... thats when you really notice the difference... You get used to having all that power in the speed6... available at all times.... with little wheel slippage...

But when you get into something with 2 wheels... they'll break loose all the time... Even with almost half the power... Any ricer will tell ya... 300 HP Honda Civic... front wheel drive.. 300 horse power turbo car... will burn the tires in just about all gears... its more work to get and keep traction with THAT much power on 2 wheels than most people realize...

The speed6 makes it easy...

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digger10t

Discussion Starter · #19 · Dec 13, 2006

I realize it wasnt necessarily revolutionary information, but it's nice to hear it from a source on Mazdausa.com and put concisely and clearly. Whether it's 5% or 50%, it's nice to know it's there.

klash2000

· #20 · Dec 13, 2006

EVERYONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You want proof...
[/b]

Go to a race track, end of story, this is NOT a FWD car! The more throttle you apply at speed, the stickier it gets. Honestly, TWS taught me I'm NOT as good a driver as I thought I was. The instructors showed me how with more throttle you apply (obviously to a point), this car sticks more and more! Granted letting those guys drive your car is more than a bit scary

my 2 cents

1 - 20 of 56 Posts

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