Continuing our series of articles on the new Ford Kuga, which is available to order now, FordOwnersClub.com focuses on Ford’s all-wheel-drive (AWD) system, and how it has been developed to improve grip and driveability.
The smart AWD system continually assesses road conditions, adjusting the torque split to each wheel to give the driver the best blend of handling and traction.
The primary goal of the AWD system at low speeds is to enhance traction; at speeds above 18mph it is programmed to improve driving feel, handling and response. A unique cluster display on the dash shows drivers the torque demand of each wheel at any moment.
Ford Curve Control acts as a safeguard for drivers who have entered a bend with too much speed. The system helps to fight severe understeer by braking and engine torque reduction.
“Curve Control can support drivers if they find themselves in a situation where they are travelling too fast for the road conditions or layout,” said Michael Nentwig, assistant medium car chief programme engineer, Ford of Europe. “The obvious example is on a curved slip road coming off a motorway. If the driver hasn’t reduced speed sufficiently this system can step in and safely slow the vehicle down by around 10mph per second.”
Dynamics and cornering control are also improved by the use of Ford’s enhanced Torque Vectoring Control (TVC) system, which was first developed for the Focus RS. TVC is a type of electronic limited slip differential that works by adding brakes to the inside wheel during a turn, which ensures both wheels turn at the same rate.
In our next article on the new Kuga, FordOwnersClub.com will look at new innovations that Ford created while developing the car.
