Honda’s luxury vehicle division will present its innovative Super Handling All-Wheel Drive technology this weekend. The event is more than appropriate – 2020 Chicago Auto Show. The presentation will include videos, reports, social media engagements, and displays of Acura’s groundbreaking system. It’s been 16 years since the debut of the SH-AWD technology, and the industry-first torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system.
Now, the Japanese company will showcase the improvements and updates of the system. Furthermore, the SH-AWD will be included in five of six Acura vehicles. You can find it in the TLX, RLX sport sedans, RDX/MDX SUVs, and NSX supercar.
During four generations of constant improvement, the automaker raised the level of performance. Also, all-wheel-drive is constantly refined at the same time. Now, let’s see what the company has prepared for the upcoming Chicago Auto Show.
Super Handling All-Wheel Drive Technology – What You Need to Know
The Super Handling All-Wheel Drive Technology applies dynamic torque vectoring. As a result, more accurate and predictable handling performance is provided. That includes all road conditions and foul-weather tractions. Moreover, 70% of powertrain torque can be transferred to rear wheels. Also, up to 100% of that torque distributed to either the left or the right wheels.
Also, modern-day SH-AWD is able to overdrive the outside rear wheels by up to 2.7%. As a result, the additional rotational speed is created, which helps to pull the vehicle through the turn, with improved grip, and cornering precision. At the moment, the most advanced SH-AWD system can be found on the 2020 Acura RDX. This system brings quicker response and a 40% rise in maximum torque capacity.
Moreover, Acura offers an advanced electronic Sport Hybrid SH-AWD system. This system uses twin electric motors to provide immediate negative and positive torque, autonomous of the gasoline drivetrain. The electronic Sport Hybrid SH-AWD is available in NSX supercar, RLX sedan, and MDX 3-row luxury SUV.
Acura SH-AWD History
The first generation of the Super Handling All-Wheel Drive technology was applied to the Acura RL. It was the first time that any platform actively and continually distributes torque to enhance traction and elevate cornering performance at the same time.
The second generation was applied to the MDX model in 2007, improved with Hill Logic feature. Also, the second generation includes the Vehicle Stability Assist, and later the Traction Control System. The third generation of the SH-AWD was introduced in 2015, with the TLX model. It uses a 25% lighter rear differential, with reduced friction, and improved yaw effect.
The rear differential is continually overdriven by 2.7 percent, contributing to a higher torque-vectoring impact over a broader range of driving conditions. Lastly, the newest SH-AWD generation is far more compact than before and offers a 30% faster response and a 40% increase in maximum torque capacity.
Even though the Sport Hybrid SH-AWD is first, and practically only electric torque-vectoring system in the industry, it improves every element of dynamic performance. On top of that, Sport Hybrid SH-AWD can be applied both positive and negative electric motor torque, with an immediate response, on-and off-throttle.