Audi A6 Allroad: The Heir of Quattro!

With the quattro ultra system, Audi promises the traction of a permanent all-wheel drive without consistently experiencing energy losses.

The quattro all-wheel drive has been inseparable from Audi’s identity since 1980. But at a time when fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are being scrutinized, the German brand is evolving its technology with the quattro ultra.

The principle is simple: to transfer power to all four wheels when traction or dynamics require it, while favoring front-wheel drive when conditions allow for reduced mechanical losses. To achieve this, Audi relies on two electronically controlled clutches, which can temporarily disengage certain elements of the rear transmission. The goal is to limit friction and resistant torque, thereby improving energy efficiency.

An all-wheel drive that anticipates needs

The true uniqueness of the quattro ultra lies in its predictive management. The system does not merely react to a loss of grip: it continuously analyzes numerous parameters, such as steering angle, power demand, accelerations, body movements, or road grip.

Thanks to this data and the analysis of the driver’s behavior, the system can anticipate the need to activate all-wheel drive up to 0.5 seconds in advance. When conditions demand it, the switch to all-wheel drive occurs in just 200 milliseconds. During start-up, tight turns, or hard accelerations, the quattro ultra can thus engage the rear wheels even before any slipping becomes perceptible.

The distribution of torque also evolves based on the Audi drive select driving mode. In a relaxed driving style, the system favors efficiency. Conversely, when the driver adopts a more vigorous pace, the all-wheel drive engages more frequently. On dry roads, more than 70% of the engine torque can even be transmitted to the rear wheels during hard accelerations, according to the manufacturer’s internal measurements.

The quattro and the era of efficiency

This technology accompanies the evolution of the powertrains in the Audi A6 allroad. The 3.0-liter V6 TDI benefits in particular from MHEV plus technology and an electric compressor. For the first time, the large raised station wagon is also offered in a plug-in hybrid version, the e-hybrid.

Both powertrains thus benefit from an all-wheel drive that seeks to balance performance, safety, and consumption control. Audi announces a starting price of 89,000 euros for the diesel version and 87,200 euros for the plug-in hybrid.

Introduced in 2016 on the Audi A4 allroad quattro, the quattro ultra system illustrates an evolution of all-wheel drive: rather than continuously transmitting power to all four wheels, it adjusts its operation to real needs. This approach allows Audi to preserve the historical qualities of the quattro while meeting contemporary efficiency requirements. Since 1980, the manufacturer has produced over 15.6 million vehicles equipped with this transmission, which has become one of the brand’s iconic technologies.

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