Testing Audi’s new quattro ultra all-wheel drive system

When it comes to all-wheel drive, not all systems are created equal.

“They are either reactive,” says Graeme Fletcher, “or they are proactive.”

Audi’s new quattro ultra system takes that foresight to the next level, utilizing a pair of clutches to control the flow of power between the front and rear wheels.

“The system monitors everything from the throttle and steering to the cornering forces up to 100 times a second to determine the best possible power split,” Graeme says.

“When all-wheel drive is not needed, both clutches open, which improves fuel economy.”

Unlike the norm in all-wheel drive Audis past, quattro ultra is a front-wheel-biased system, which may upset some purists.

But with claimed fuel economy improvements of roughly 0.3 L/100 km in everyday driving, even the purists may be able to get on board.

This segment appeared on Episode 17 of Motoring 2016.