[flieger]

I fully understand all of the above, however I'm still a bit confused on what my 2012 TDI AWD system really is? I know it's not the Haldex base 4-Motion system (very familiar with that from my 04' R32 and 09' Tiguan). So because I have he "offroad" dial on my center console, if I understand the posts right I have the 4xMotion Torsen based system?

 

[flieger]

The new T3's(2011+) have 4MOTION not 4XMOTION.

So they have a non-Haldex based 4-Motion system? I'm asking based on this post from Volkswagen.com:

Four-wheel drive on the Touareg > 4MOTION > Powertrain > Innovation > Experience > Volkswagen International Homepage

If what you are saying is correct...then what is the "offroad" dial on my center console for and what does it control if it no electronically locking a diff? I assumed that it equated to a "Low" mode to be used offroad only.

 

[flieger]

Ok...because I'm a "must see it in black and white" kind of guy...I found a US press release talking about the system:

All New 2011 Volkswagen Touareg Combines Stunning Design With Increased Power And Improved Fuel Efficiency | Press_releases | Volkswagen Newsroom

"The Touareg utilizes aluminum in its double wishbone suspension, which helped with reducing the weight of the vehicle. The vehicles 4MOTION® all-wheel drive system is mated to a rear limited-slip Torsen differential. The pairing results in a 40:60 distribution of the propulsive force between the front and rear axles to improve the vehicles weight and efficiency while improving overall driving dynamics."

With this I now need to find the "technical" details to better understand the system. Sorry for the many posts, but I like to understand things at a technical level as opposed to just beig told that it's a 4-Motion system.

 

[flieger]

You do not have a true low range. It is strictly doing it via software rather then hardware. I doubt it is locking anything since you don't have a transfer case.

Got it...and that's what I'm looking for...now to find the technical manual on the system. Which will require a call to a good friend from back home

 

[flieger]

"4MOTION" is simply a marketing term, just like "quattro" is for Audi. It implies no particular type of all wheel drive system. It simply means "some type of all wheel drive".

For instance, the B5 Passat 4MOTION VWs used a Torsen center differential, while the PQ46 Passat (incorrectly referred to as "B6") also offers 4MOTION, but using the Haldex system.

Likewise, longitudinal Audi platforms typically use a Torsen center diff, while the transverse models use Haldex. (This is generally the case throughout the VAG lineup).

In the Touareg, the 4MOTION system uses a Torsen limited slip center differential and "electronic differential locks" at all four wheels. (Really, that just means it uses the brakes to stop a low-traction wheel.) The Torsen diff is purely mechanical.

The 4XMOTION system uses an electrically controlled locking center differential with multi-plates, and a transfer case with "high" and "low" gearing.



The off road dial adjusts the ABS/EDL/ESP system, optimizing it for off road traction conditions. It supposedly also adjusts the shift points of the automatic transmission.

Completely understand the marketing terms VAG uses across the brands...which is why I am trying to get the true technical details for my specific vehicle, of which you have covered nicely. Thanks! I will always be looking for the specific details about the system and how it works as opposed to prior years. Being new to the Touareg community I am simply trying to catch up and learn the differences between the various models and systems that have been used now and in the past.