Is it an AWD or FWD that turns the rear wheels when needed?

[Ridgeline4wd_Archive]

The salesdude at the dealership told me it the Ridgeline is basically FWD most of the time, and when you either lock the diffs with the dashboard swithc or it detects slippage, it turns into AWD.......is this correct?

I'm sure it save gas by not running all 4 wheels all the time but....you know.

[Ridgeline4wd_Archive]

this is true...check this out:

http://automobiles.honda.com/info/news/article.asp?ArticleID=2005011039571

Developed as a next generation truck, the Ridgeline takes advantage of an innovative new truck body construction and a steel reinforced composite bed to deliver true truck capabilities including half-ton hauling and 5,000-pound towing, along with next-generation truck styling, performance and packaging. The Ridgeline boasts the pickup truck segment's first four-wheel, fully independent suspension system combined with an advanced fully automatic four-wheel drive system to deliver superior ride and handling versus traditional truck designs, and a number of exclusive new features including a Dual-Action tailgate and the industry's first In-Bed Trunk(TM).


Also check the Locking Rear Differential and Varible Torque Mgmt (VTM) from the Honda website:

http://automobiles.honda.com/models/engineering_overview.asp?ModelName=Ridgeline

[Ridgeline4wd_Archive]

I saw that, thanks Ridget!

So does the truck ever feel like FWD? My Accord used to chirp the front tires, get some torque steer etc....can you tell its running in FWD?

[Ridgeline4wd_Archive]

The VTM will switch up to 70% of the torque to the rear wheels when needed. And automatically in dead stop to fast acceleration to help prevent torque steer.

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powerglide wrote (View Post): › docWrite("quote")I saw that, thanks Ridget!

So does the truck ever feel like FWD? My Accord used to chirp the front tires, get some torque steer etc....can you tell its running in FWD?

Not that I have ever noticed - the transfer of power to the rear wheels (when needed) is seamless and I never feel much torque steer at all.

[Ridgeline4wd_Archive]

On this topic, why does Honda use the "4WD" logo on the tailgate?

I think it should say AWD.

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That's my one really big disappointment so far... I haven't been able to chirp the tires!

Honda has used the "4WD" moniker for quite some time, the back of my CR-V is labeled "Real Time 4WD". It isn't really AWD anyway, since true AWD systems I believe have front and rear locking diffs to truly get power to all the wheels.

[Ridgeline4wd_Archive]

AlbertaBear wrote (View Post): › docWrite("quote")
On this topic, why does Honda use the "4WD" logo on the tailgate?

I think it should say AWD.


An AWD system is full time 4WD. Since the Ridgeline is not in 4WD all the time, it isn't consittered AWD.

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AlbertaBear wrote (View Post): › docWrite("quote")On this topic, why does Honda use the "4WD" logo on the tailgate?

I think it should say AWD.

Simple reason:
Marketing

It was added late in the game (after the brochures,etc.) since so many 'mericans are obsessed with "4WD pickups"!!


I kid you not!!!!

8)

[Ridgeline4wd_Archive]

Goodbye.

[Ridgeline4wd_Archive]

powerglide wrote (View Post): › docWrite("quote")I saw that, thanks Ridget!

So does the truck ever feel like FWD? My Accord used to chirp the front tires, get some torque steer etc....can you tell its running in FWD?

You will probably never notice when it is!

Check out this excerpt from Honda's detailed Ridgeline spec sheet:

There are three distinct modes of VTM-4 engagement. The first - called the acceleration torque control (ATC) mode - is unique to this system. It works even on dry pavement to proactively distribute driving torque to all four wheels as the Ridgeline accelerates from a stop to cruising speed. One notable benefit of this mode is that traction is immediately available to move the vehicle from rest through a slippery intersection before slippage occurs. (Once a wheel slips, the traction available for forward propulsion and lateral restraint is significantly diminished.)

A second advantage is that apportioning drive torque among all four wheels greatly diminishes the likelihood of torque steer. Handling dynamics are also improved. Reducing the propulsive force carried by the front tires leaves more adhesion for steering the vehicle into a tight bend or for holding cornering arc in the middle of a turn. In other words, the Ridgeline's dynamic balance is greatly enhanced by ATC logic.

D

[Ridgeline4wd_Archive]

CBR600rr wrote (View Post): › docWrite("quote")
powerglide wrote (View Post): › docWrite("quote")I saw that, thanks Ridget!

So does the truck ever feel like FWD? My Accord used to chirp the front tires, get some torque steer etc....can you tell its running in FWD?

You will probably never notice when it is!

Check out this excerpt from Honda's detailed Ridgeline spec sheet:

There are three distinct modes of VTM-4 engagement. The first - called the acceleration torque control (ATC) mode - is unique to this system. It works even on dry pavement to proactively distribute driving torque to all four wheels as the Ridgeline accelerates from a stop to cruising speed. One notable benefit of this mode is that traction is immediately available to move the vehicle from rest through a slippery intersection before slippage occurs. (Once a wheel slips, the traction available for forward propulsion and lateral restraint is significantly diminished.)

A second advantage is that apportioning drive torque among all four wheels greatly diminishes the likelihood of torque steer. Handling dynamics are also improved. Reducing the propulsive force carried by the front tires leaves more adhesion for steering the vehicle into a tight bend or for holding cornering arc in the middle of a turn. In other words, the Ridgeline's dynamic balance is greatly enhanced by ATC logic.

D



yeah, sounds like a great system.
Makes sense from engineering point of view....you got all the weight over the fron tires, it should be driving the car. Also why drive all 4 an introduce sytemic friction and hence lower mileage.....but there's something about chirping your rear wheels....makes no sense but there it is.

[Ridgeline4wd_Archive]

I really like the system, you can floor it pulling out into traffic and not worry about tire spin. I even tried to spin the tires yesterday in the rain and got nothing. I can't wait to try it out in mud or snow.

[Ridgeline4wd_Archive]

colorider wrote (View Post): › docWrite("quote")AlbertaBear wrote (View Post): › docWrite("quote")On this topic, why does Honda use the "4WD" logo on the tailgate?

I think it should say AWD.

Simple reason:
Marketing

It was added late in the game (after the brochures,etc.) since so many 'mericans are obsessed with "4WD pickups"!!


I kid you not!!!!

8)

haha not quite, RE AND CHERYL had it right though, it doesn't say AWD cause it's not, simple enough

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The only real problem with it being called 4WD instead of AWD is that your insurance rates are higher.

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halabar wrote (View Post): › docWrite("quote")The only real problem with it being called 4WD instead of AWD is that your insurance rates are higher.

If it were a true 4WD that might be true. But since it is still considered an AWD, you won't see much difference than any other AWD out there. When I upgraded from my 2003 Pilot to the RidgeLine, there was only a VERY slight increase in premium - just enough to cover the fact that the RidgeLine is 3 years newer.

:)

[Ridgeline4wd_Archive]

colorider wrote (View Post): › docWrite("quote")
halabar wrote (View Post): › docWrite("quote")The only real problem with it being called 4WD instead of AWD is that your insurance rates are higher.

If it were a true 4WD that might be true. But since it is still considered an AWD, you won't see much difference than any other AWD out there. When I upgraded from my 2003 Pilot to the RidgeLine, there was only a VERY slight increase in premium - just enough to cover the fact that the RidgeLine is 3 years newer.

---------------

We'll see what my insurance co does... :-)


:)

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I got to try the AWD last weekend at the Winnipeg Folk Festival. Otherwise known as Muck Fest. I tried to spin the tires on wet turf. Couln't do it. I then followed a Jeep Lib through a deeply rutted water filled trench. The Jeep spun and lurched and threw mud on me but I couldn't make the Ridge spin at all. It simply drove through. My head says bravo bring on the ice and snow. My heart says, 'where's the flying clods of muck I love to watch catapulting off the tires?'.

One little note: I think I'm going to have to get some sort of protection for the exhaust system. It picked up a lot of mud and grass

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drmay wrote (View Post): › docWrite("quote")I got to try the AWD last weekend at the Winnipeg Folk Festival. Otherwise known as Muck Fest. I tried to spin the tires on wet turf. Couln't do it. I then followed a Jeep Lib through a deeply rutted water filled trench. The Jeep spun and lurched and threw mud on me but I couldn't make the Ridge spin at all. It simply drove through. My head says bravo bring on the ice and snow. My heart says, 'where's the flying clods of muck I love to watch catapulting off the tires?'.

One little note: I think I'm going to have to get some sort of protection for the exhaust system. It picked up a lot of mud and grass

Cool!!! Did you get any pictures??

8)

[Ridgeline4wd_Archive]

Nope. too busy driving. But here is picture of my Ridge in the album below. (washed)


http://community.webshots.com/scripts/editPhotos.fcgi?action=viewall&albumID=395918657