How Do AWD Audi's have such a short front overhang?
 

The new Audi's A4/A5 etc.. have a really short overhang for a car with AWD and I assume the motor in front of the front axle. I've been looking for pics on how they pull this off but I can't find any.

I'm not personally a fan of AWD for reasons of weight and design, but I'm intrigued by Audi as their newer cars have very nice designs.

Just curious as I figure there are alot of Subi guys hanging out hear with experience in AWD in general.

in my s4 the v8 sits right on top, sorta in front of the front axle line

here ya go

http://img2.netcarshow.com/Audi-A5_S...llpaper_32.jpg

http://img2.netcarshow.com/Audi-A5_S...llpaper_31.jpg

and the tranny
http://jonchin.smugmug.com/Audi-Club...07_hkpHC-L.jpg

http://www.audi-me.com/etc/medialib/...d_10014_70.jpg

Transverse motor, and its all pretty much stacked on top of the front drive-line, so it's fairly compact. Same as the Golf/GTI

I thought the engines (I4,V6,V8) were longitudinal not transverse.

Haldex

It's inferior to the proper Quattro drivetrain, but does allow for shorter overhangs.

Everything is a compromise.

I'm surprised audi/subi haven't figured out a way to attach a diff to the front of the engine like the Ferarri FF for better weight distribution. I guess you might lose your 50/50 split, but I'd think 30/70 would be enough to reap the benefits of AWD.

torque split becomes the key in the audi, its a far more refined awd than any subie I been in

I stand corrected. Audi's use the same VW motors, just Longitudinal instead of Transverse. Its VW that uses transverse motors.

Audi/Subie don't want to spend that kind of money, they'd never sell the cars at the price they'd have to charge for that kind of technology. Which is why Ferrari does it. VAG may do it on a Lamborghini, but probably never on a general public vehicle.

From what I heard, the performance of that layout isn't very good. I think it had torque steer from unequal length driveshafts and it's not technically a limited slip diff if I remember correctly. And yeah, the torque split is not enough to the front for good snow traction.