Volkswagen's Clever Differential Allows For AWD Drifting - 2022 VW Golf R

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The 2022 VW Golf R features a Drift Mode thanks to a clever new torque splitter that replaces the old open differential. This torque splitter allows for true torque vectoring, varying the available rear torque from 0-100% on either the left or right side. This video will focus on how the Mk7 and Mk8 VW Golf R AWD systems work (Haldex vs torque splitter), how the torque splitter varies torque left to right, how this enables Drift Mode, and how this system relates to the Ford Focus RS.
2022 VW Golf R Vehicle Highlights:
- 315hp, and up to 295 lb-ft of torque delivered by next-gen EA888 evo4 TSI® engine, paired with either a 6-speed manual or 7-speed DSG® transmission.
- New vehicle dynamics settings and torque-vectoring AWD, along with advanced DCC® functionality and new driving modes improve handling.
- All-new electronic architecture enhances the interior with standard 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro, touch interfaces, and 30-color ambient lighting.
- Standard IQ.DRIVE® driver assistance package includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Assist, Travel Assist, and Emergency Assist (DSG only).
- Golf R available in one fully-loaded trim, with starting MSRP of $43,645.
Related Links:
Press kit: media.vw.com/en-us/press-kits...
Focus RS AWD System: www.motortrend.com/features/2...
4Motion AWD: media.vw.com/en-us/releases/
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[@ittimjones]

THANK YOU for talking about the Focus RS. Everyone seems to forget Ford did the same AWD 6 years ago. Also, you cleared up my question on what's the difference.

[@HumbleMechanic]

Awesome stuff Jason. I drove this car back in April, and its awesome. Mine should be here soon. Its actually stuck at port.

[@domefford864]

I’ve had my mk8 for six months in the uk, as a 50 year old, drift mode makes me feel 20 again! So childish but I love it 😆

[@BBStrung]

I don't know if you've done it before, but I feel like "Torque Split" on AWD systems is really misunderstood (especially in the Subaru community). I dunno if you're looking for topics to cover but maybe this would be a good one to try and elaborate on so people can have a better idea of what their AWD cars actually do?

[@ralmslb]

What I wanna see next is the opposite: Limited Slip Diff in the back and the cluck packs for the front wheels, so it becomes a rear bias driven car.

[@hakonhakonarson779]

I love that you list that the red color in your drawing is a ball! Like how much detail you put into your drawings and your videos overall and you explain the science very well. Love your videos and felt like you deserved a complement :)

[@louspinelli1745]

Hi Jason. I see a lot of similarity to the Honda Pilot/Ridgeline rear drive system. I love the idea of being able to transmit as much or as little torque to each wheel like that. It could also be used in conjunction with an open differential to act as a limited slip/locking mechanism. Engineers always find the answers as long as the bean counters stay out of the way.

[@teedjay91]

I have a Acura TL sh-awd with similar awd system as the focus RS with taller gearing for the rear wheels. It's SO good for drifting in snow (I live in Canada).

[@o362436o]

Great video, and as others have said, especially the last bit about front to rear torque split.

[@sr707ca8]

As a VW golf R owner thank you sir for this video explaining the difference 👍

[@y4nnickschmitt]

Thats is freaking cool. And I'd like to believe that they invested all this money and time just to make their only enthusiast car more fun. I love it. Meanwhile I´m still doing snowdrifts in the wildly unpredictable great grandfather of all R´s. The VR6 Syncro. ✌

[@iwfur25]

THANK YOU for the bit about torque split. Many cars with clutch-based non-center diff AWD systems seem to have those torque split percentages advertised even though it's kind of BS.

[@gbjl26]

Modern car designers seem to be caught between two worlds and it is sort of interesting to behold. Amazing technical solutions to simulate that which cars from the past had as inherent characteristics. Artificially weighted steering "feel", synthetic engine noise, expensive hatchbacks with contrivences to mimic the dynamics of a basic rwd. Its both impressive and depressing.

[@MrPagnu]

GKN developed that Twinster differential few years ago for Landrover Evoque and enhanced it with drifting mode for Ford Focus RS. Then it was used by Mercedes AMG A45 and VW Golf now with this Magna design. Latest GKN eTwinster version is applied to hybrid/EV cars.

[@moonsapling]

Clutches are probably one of the most important parts making the automobile possible in the first place!

[@salzar4431]

Watched this for an explanation of torque split front to rear, even in older haldex systems. Very informative, as always.

[@ChadRazorback]

I'd love to see a video on Chevy's new 1004hp naturally asperated big block crate engine. There must be some amazing stuff in there to get so much power without forced induction.

[@mrtk003]

This is very similar (or identical?) to what Toyota did with the 2019+ Rav4 Trail/Adventure package setups.

[@calholli]

Acura has a similar setup with their SH-AWD system.. except they also have planetary gears on each side, so that the rear will actually have MORE torque than the front wheels.. So it's also like the Focus, just not all the time. It doesn't have a "drift mode" though either. But I bet it wouldn't be that hard to implement it, since they have the same dual clutches.