Autoblog

All-wheel drive system supplier Haldex has introduced its latest iteration in the new Saab Turbo X and 9-3 Aero XWD vehicles. XWD strands for Cross-Wheel-Drive and is technically called Haldex version 4.0. Its introduction has generated some excitement amongst general consumers and tuning enthusiasts. Haldex has been riding the high wave with their XWD release as it was recently reported that they won a contract to develop a system for Hyundai. We have yet to see the new all-wheel-drive offering hit consumers in order to better understand its potential under extensive abuse though. However, the wonder that is YouTube has provided us with video of the Saab Aero XWD in action during a Saab comparison test drive event. Haldex has also supplied a wealth of information detailing the elements of their 4.0 system.

The main components of the new Haldex system are the Power Take-Off Unit (PTU), Limited Slip Coupling (LSC) and eLSD (Electronic Limited Slip Differential). The PTU is the final drive unit at the front of the vehicle that transmits power to the front wheels and sends power down the driveshaft to the rear wheels. It is not a Haldex design, but is required to adapt the system to a front-wheel drive vehicle. The LSC sits at the rear of the vehicle in-line with the driveshaft. It controls the torque split between the front and rear wheels of the vehicle. The LSC sends torque to the eLSD that sits between the rear wheels. The eLSD transfers torque to the two rear wheels. Follow the jump to continue reading more about the system.

The Swedish engineers at Haldex can finally add an Asian automaker to the ever-expanding list of companies using the firm's all-wheel-drive systems. Haldex currently supplies systems to the entire Volkswagen consortium (from Audi to Bugatti), as well as Land Rover and Volvo. Additionally, the Haldex XWD system that's finding its way into Saabs will likely spread across much of the GM range in the future. That same AWD setup is the basis for a system that will be employed on some Hyundai models in the coming years.

Haldex announced the partnership late last week when it received a prototype order from Hyundai, which includes the development and installation of the fourth generation "Limited Slip Coupling" and electronic LSD. The XWD system has the ability to sense a loss of traction and then distribute power to either the front or rear axle and on to an individual wheel.

There's no word on what vehicle will be used as a drivetrain guinea pig during testing, but the smart money is on some form of SUV or large sedan.

[Source: Trading Markets]

Hot on the heels of discovering the next-gen Corvette could be offered with a dual-clutch transmission, word is now filtering out that General Motors may be working on adapting the Haldex-sourced XWD all-wheel-drive system currently available on the 2008 Saab 9-3 for use on Chevy's budget supercar. The Haldex XWD is a robust system, as it can send up to 85% of the engine's power to a single wheel.

Auto Motor and Sport in Sweden reports that GM engineers have been seen testing a mule with a wider rear track than any Saab currently available, which suggests the system is already in development for the next-gen Corvette. We're not sure whether to place this piece of news in the fact file or keep it on the rumor pile, as information surrounding the next-gen Corvette has been swirling since GM's contract with the UAW was leaked and revealed some juicy details. Will it switch to the smaller Kappa platform (production of the Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky is set to switch to the Corvette's facility in Bowling Green, KY in a few years). What about rumors of a mid-engine exotic Corvette to be built and sold alongside the traditional model? There's too much static to pick out fact from fiction, though the dual-clutch transmission seems like a definite lock since it was referenced in official documents. GM, of course, is silent on the subject.

[Source: Auto Motor and Sport]

Click on the photo for a high-res gallery of the 2008 Saab 9-3 convertible

The crew at AutoCar in jolly old England recently had a first crack at the updated 2008 Saab 9-3 and they've published their initial impressions. They mainly got to play with the flex-fuel 2.0L turbo four, which will probably be the base engine when the new Saab arrives on our shores. In Europe, the 9-3 will also be available with the 2.8L turbo V-6 and a twin turbo 1.8L diesel. Unfortunately, we probably won't get the diesel here.

The Brits were also impressed by the new XWD all-wheel-drive system that uses a combination of the latest Haldex center differential and an electronic limited slip differential in the rear axle to instantly distribute the drive torque away from slipping wheels to the ones that have grip in a smooth, seamless transition. Check out the rest of AutoCars driving impressions here.

[Source: AutoCar]