"About The ‘Alfa Q4’ system for this generation" :
The Alfa 159 / Brera adopts an evolved version of the permanent 4x4 system with three differentials (with a Torsen C self-locking unit at the centre). The heart of this design is the ‘Alfa Romeo Q4 four-wheel drive’ system, which splits torque constantly and dynamically between the four wheels, reaching the highest levels of active safety and sportiness. The Torsen C self-locking differential sends drive torque 57% to the rear wheels and 43% to the front. The system also guarantees excellent traction in all grip conditions by automatically checking any slipping.
The torque split between the front and rear axles is modulated constantly by the Torsen C central differential on the basis of grip.
This feature harnesses sportiness to enhance active safety. Modulation is mechanical, continuous and gradual, to enhance the perception of optimal, enjoyable, easy driving. There are no gaps in the torque delivery. Where grip is concerned, the behaviour adapts gradually and smoothly to changing road conditions. This ‘mechanical’ control is backed up by electronic stability control, which boosts performance and safety margins, in line with the Alfa Romeo philosophy.
The car is the state of the art in technical terms and offers important advantages:
• Q4 permanent four-wheel drive with a Torsen C self-locking differential makes for better roadholding, entertaining driving and smooth responses. Other technological archetypes with electronically controlled joints do not achieve the optimal balance between understeer and oversteer or the smoothness that are innate in the Alfa 159, and translate into superb active safety.
• The torque split in favour of the rear axle makes driving even more entertaining, because the car is even easier to handle, without detracting in any way from stability during sudden lane changes on the motorway, or other emergency manoeuvres.
• The possibility of travelling safely when grip is poor without having to use electronics to split torque, enhancing the enjoyment of driving.
NOTE: Depending on conditions Active power split can be as much as (72/28) and (22/78) front/rear.
AWD system: "Q4"
Full-time all wheel drive system with centre Torsen C differential ("Torsen T3 Twin diff").
Source
Distribution: 57% rear, 43% front.
Integrated with ASR and VDC (ESP by Alfa Romeo).
Source
Probably the same Q4 version of Alfa Romeo 156 Crosswagon.
AWD system available only with these "Q4" models:
3.2 petrol engine JTS V6 24v 191kW years 2005->2009 Automatic / Manual Transmission
2.4 diesel engine JTDm 20v 154kW years 2007->2009 Automatic / Manual Transmission
?Torsen Source?
ALFA-ROMEO Q4 system
-used on 159, Brera, Crosswagon
-transversely mounted engine
-Torsen C (twin diff?) center diff
-torque front/rear axle: 43/57%
Figure: alfa romeo 159 q4 crosswagon cutaway (231KB)
Figure: alfa romeo 159 q4 schematic (48KB)
BLUE - engine input
RED - front axle diff output
YELLOW - rear axle output
BLACK - front axle diff with drive shafts
Figure: alfa romeo 159 q4 scheme (66KB)
Figure: alfa romeo 159 q4 torsen cutaway (126KB)
Figure: alfa romeo 159 q4 torsen (95KB)