NLJ
Registered Member
- Joined
- Oct 12, 2018
- Messages
- 2,143
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- Location
- Canada
- Genesis Model Type
- Genesis G70
There are a few generations. The first gen in the RL had a 2 speed transfer clutch. The second gen was the best. Fully electromagnetic and way more robust but expensive. The third gen which is in the TLX and part way through the current MDX is fully hydraulic and a cheaper slower version prone to more wear and tear as well as overheating. Not sure about the current RDX.Just did some digging about Honda's/Acura's SH-AWD system, and I agree with NLJ. Looks like it is a FWD based system, but has some unique characteristics. So far, it seems the most torque it can bring to the rear is 70%; however, the system is able to do some pretty good torque vectoring, and can shift all of that power (on the rear end) to the outside wheels during hard cornering. Reminds me of the Ford Focus RS. There is quite a bit of diversity among models with the 'SH-AWD' badge, it seems, and some seem to have a significantly different AWD system than others despite having the same badging.
Either way, this looks like it was all designed by Honda/Acura, but I could be wrong (ie outsourcing could be a thing). An interesting system, for sure though.
Personally, I'm more excited about the G70's HTRAC - though it would be nicer to have it with an E-Diff on the rear that could utilise the same torque vectoring as Honda's system. That would be sweet.
The hydraulic one is normally 90:10 and then transfers to the back 30:70 and 100% of that 70% to the outer rear wheel. It is the more Eco friendly version and tuned for fuel efficiency.
Second gen would do 30:70 and only 90:10 when at cruising speeds. And then 30:70 to the rear with 100% of that to the rear outer wheel.
So if you are canyon carving, SH-AWD is great. But the moment you are off power, you feel the full weight of the front and the understeer!
Not sure if the newer ones have a Snow mode but they are a terrible AWD system in the winter even though the Acura people claim otherwise. My rear end would always kick out in the corners cause it was just tuned for performance. A Snow mode which allowed for 50:50 would have been great!