Permanent all-wheel drive (AWD) in a Subaru Forester with automatic transmission works as follows:
All-wheel drive mechanism:
* Engine torque is transmitted to the transmission.
* Using a differential, torque is distributed between the front and rear wheels.
* The rear axle center differential distributes torque between the left and right rear wheels.
Torque distribution:
*Subaru’s AWD system distributes torque 60:40 front/rear under normal driving conditions.
*Depending on driving conditions and wheel slip, this ratio may vary up to 50:50 or 0:100 (front/rear).
Automatic transmission operation:
* The automatic transmission transmits torque to the input shaft of the transmission, which then distributes it to the front and rear wheels.
* The automatic transmission uses an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch that can smoothly vary the torque distribution between the axles.
Features of all-wheel drive in Subaru Forester with automatic transmission:
* Active Torque Vectoring: The AWD system constantly monitors wheel slip and makes adjustments to torque distribution to provide optimal traction.
* X-Mode: Select Forester models are equipped with X-Mode, which optimizes all-wheel drive performance for off-road use. It changes the settings of the automatic transmission and all-wheel drive system to improve torque and traction at low speeds.
*Driver Assistance Systems: The automatic Forester may also have a variety of driver assistance systems that can enhance all-wheel drive functionality, such as Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Traction Control System (TCS) and Stability Control System (ESC).
Advantages of all-wheel drive:
* Improved grip on all types of surfaces, especially on wet, snowy and icy roads.
* Increased traction when accelerating and climbing slopes.
* Improved cornering stability and handling.