Acura Type-S Concept / Introducing The All-New 2021 Acura TLX - Type S

[funwheeldrive]

Originally Posted by Irace86.2.0

True, but if we compare it to other cars in its class then FWD is less common. We have the following in RWD: Infiniti Q60, the Lexus IS/GS/RC, the BMW 3/4 series, the Audi 4/5 series, Cadillac CT5/6, etc. and this is just a sample from a few manufactures. I'm having a hard time thinking of a FWD luxury vehicle, except some compacts like the BMW X1 and Audi A3/Q3.

How many of those cars listed have a manual transmission option? I'd rather have a manual FWD sedan than a RWD one with 2 pedals.

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by Irace86.2.0

. I'm having a hard time thinking of a FWD luxury vehicle, except some compacts like the BMW X1 and Audi A3/Q3.

There was a day when FWD in North American cars was restricted to the luxury vehicles. They marketed it as cutting edge innovation even though Europe had been doing it for decades. Wasn't really until the 80s when all the econoboxes went FWD that it got the bad name it has with "enthusiasts" today.

[mazeroni]

Originally Posted by Sasquachulator

Arent all Audi's FWD based with quattro AWD systems?

I would say that they are neither FWD or RWD. Basically, they use the same arrangement as Subaru. So when you look at the car, it has the proportions and engine placement of a FWD car, but there are no FWD models. Likewise, there are no RWD models (ignoring the BRZ.)

The exception to this may be the A4 that you can get with FWD. But the A4 is switching to the MQB platform in '21, so maybe all A4s will use a transverse layout.

Based on Wiki, Audi models that are the A4 and above ride on platforms that can can use either a traverse arrangement with the engine and transmission in front of the axle for FWD; or they can use a longitudinal arrangement with a differential behind the transmission to feed the front wheels.

However, I'm not sure that any of these Audi models (in the US) currently use a transverse layout. All the pictures I find of the 2.0 in both the A4 and A6 show a longitudinal layout. I don't know if these are "quattro" cars or FWD cars. I'd assume that a FWD A4 would use a transverse layout, but I could be wrong.

You would think that you could do RWD by removing one drive shaft, but maybe there are engineering reasons that they don't do this.

Apparently, the A6 and up will be moving to Porshce's MSB platform in the future, and that platform is rear-biased.

[Irace86.2.0]

Originally Posted by Sasquachulator

Arent all Audi's FWD based with quattro AWD systems?

No. The Q3 comes standard as FWD and Quattro is an option.

[Irace86.2.0]

Originally Posted by funwheeldrive

How many of those cars listed have a manual transmission option? I'd rather have a manual FWD sedan than a RWD one with 2 pedals.

Agreed. Most cars, but especially luxury cars, are losing the manual. BMW being the biggest exception.

[Irace86.2.0]

Originally Posted by Tcoat

There was a day when FWD in North American cars was restricted to the luxury vehicles. They marketed it as cutting edge innovation even though Europe had been doing it for decades. Wasn't really until the 80s when all the econoboxes went FWD that it got the bad name it has with "enthusiasts" today.

I get that they could have marketed the car for safety and roomy interiors (without transmission and driveshaft tunnels), yet I don’t know how it could have been marketed as the better enthusiast vehicle.

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by Irace86.2.0

I get that they could have marketed the car for safety and roomy interiors (without transmission and driveshaft tunnels), yet I don’t know how it could have been marketed as the better enthusiast vehicle.

They didn't. They marketed it to the upscale luxury crowd. People bragged about having FWD. The cheap masses that came out later ruined the rep. There are some very good FWD cars out there today but they are scorned by many.

[Irace86.2.0]

Originally Posted by Tcoat

They didn't. They marketed it to the upscale luxury crowd. People bragged about having FWD. The cheap masses that came out later ruined the rep. There are some very good FWD cars out there today but they are scorned by many.

Agreed. The Civic Type R would be an example of a great performance car, but it gets dogged for being FWD. I would be one of them who prefers my manual RWD cars. AWD can be acceptable. FWD is fun like an auto can still be fun.

[Captain Snooze]

Originally Posted by Irace86.2.0

except some compacts like the BMW X1 and Audi A3/Q3.

and new BMW 1 series. The performance version is awd.

[Irace86.2.0]

Originally Posted by Captain Snooze

and new BMW 1 series. The performance version is awd.

Yea, as I mentioned, my list wasn’t exhaustive.

[EAGLE5]

Originally Posted by Sasquachulator

Arent all Audi's FWD based with quattro AWD systems?

Audis are generally FWD or AWD, not RWD. That doesn't mean they're based on anything.

[Irace86.2.0]

Originally Posted by EAGLE5

Audis are generally FWD or AWD, not RWD. That doesn't mean they're based on anything.

The AWD varies greatly. My Q5 is dedicated AWD with a 40/60 rear bias, I believe. The Q3 is using a Haldex system that is FWD with a clutch that can engage the rear wheels, but it is essentially FWD 99% of the time. Audi has a few RWD vehicles.

[EAGLE5]

Originally Posted by Irace86.2.0

The AWD varies greatly. My Q5 is dedicated AWD with a 40/60 rear bias, I believe. The Q3 is using a Haldex system that is FWD with a clutch that can engage the rear wheels, but it is essentially FWD 99% of the time. Audi has a few RWD vehicles.

Most Subarus do the same as the Q3, but nobody calls them FWD based.

[Yoshoobaroo]

Originally Posted by EAGLE5

Most Subarus do the same as the Q3, but nobody calls them FWD based.

Not true. Most Subarus have a permanent 50/50 torque split. They have a true center differential. Haldex sucks compared to it.