Our relentless development of Symmetrical AWD (All-Wheel Drive) and other new technologies has been the driving force behind Subaru for many years. The reason for such dedication is Subaru’s commitment to sticking to the basics—building cars that more and more people can enjoy with confidence at the wheel. The result is that Subaru cars reward every owner with all round performance that follows the driver’s wishes precisely.
| Almost all wild creatures have symmetric forms—some for agility, and some for stability. Subaru also believes the reason lies in the perfect balance this provides. This belief led us to the Symmetrical AWD. Combined with the Horizontally-Opposed SUBARU BOXER Engine to enable a low-mount drivetrain layout, it keeps the car stable and ensures sensitivity to every driving command. |  |
| Subaru has been convinced since 1972 that the ideal drivetrain for delivering performance with safety is Symmetrical AWD. Together as one with the SUBARU BOXER engine, its stability is even more enhanced thanks to the low centre of gravity gained from the low-mounted engine. This low mount is realised by the engine’s horizontally-opposed design. What’s more, a straight transmission layout along the centre line of the vehicle creates superb cornering and responsiveness. The whole package provides precise steering response and surefooted stability at all times. |  |
| Whether it’s tackling a gravel-strewn FIA WRC special stage or simply running into standing water on tarmac, it’s vital to keep your car stable with the best possible traction. That's where the technology of our torque distribution system sets Subaru apart from conventional 4-wheel drive set-ups. Evolved from the very outset specifically for Symmetrical AWD, it actively distributes engine torque to individual wheels. In a fraction of a second, our smart system automatically adjusts the amount of torque, giving maximum grip and stability wherever and whenever it's needed—not only in extreme conditions, but in everyday driving. The result is dynamic handling that feels truly intuitive, making the car behave like an extension of the driver's body and mind. So, even when road conditions change unexpectedly, torque distribution plays a crucial role in achieving the goal of stability and control. | |
| At the very core of this complement to AWD stability is Subaru's centre LSD. A sophisticated mechanism controls torque distribution and limits tyre slip proactively, rather than reactively, depending on the different surfaces you encounter along your journey. This real time adjustment makes sure that a Subaru always uses its AWD traction and stability to the full. But it's not just for slippery and adverse conditions either. So, while you may never see our central differential in the flesh, it's reassuring to know that this marriage of technology and mechanical engineering is constantly working with all the other Subaru technologies, to keep your car more stable, and you safer. |  |
When you're sweeping through a difficult bend, or making a high speed lane change to avoid an unexpected obstacle, you need sharpness of response, naturally—but without any unwanted after-effects in the car's behaviour. This is where a Subaru's natural agility and neutral handling characteristics help keep all wheels at your will. They're born out of a combination of factors that go to make up the ideal drivetrain layout. First, there's the inherent agility of much lower mounted, lightweight Horizontally-Opposed SUBARU BOXER Engines. In turn, their positioning is made possible by the location of the main drivetrain components. With the heavy items like the transmission, transfer case, differential and propeller shaft mounted inside the wheelbase, weight distribution is much better balanced between the front and rear of the car. There's no surplus weight overhanging that could react adversely after sudden manoeuvres. And, since the layout is also symmetrical from left to right, Subaru makes cornering much more stable than with other types of drivetrain configuration.
Body control is the second way to achieve nimble, athletic performance in cornering—especially where changes of direction follow each other in quick succession. Under these circumstances, Subaru's low centre of gravity complies much better with the laws of physics, instead of the driver trying to compensate for their effects. Again, our Horizontally-Opposed SUBARU BOXER Engine plays a major part in resolving the equation. The higher the centre of gravity, the easier it is to lose balance and control, because the front of the car is heavy, so it tends to roll more through bends. With Subaru, it's a case of the lower the better, which is why there's such a dramatic difference between the two examples below. The body language in a Subaru is always composed and stable, making driving more comfortable, less tiring and ultimately, more enjoyable—exactly why Subaru makes cars the way it does.
Yaw moment / Inertia: Whenever a car turns a corner, centrifugal force acts on the body to move it outwards. This motion is amplified when the centre of gravity is high, so the car takes longer to recover its equilibrium afterwards. This ‘pendulum’ effect is well understood, which is a reason for relying on Subaru's Symmetrical AWD. The amount of force generated is called yaw moment or inertia. When you move the weight of the ‘pendulum’ closer to the centre of gravity, the yaw moment is much smaller, making the car easier to turn, reducing rolling and ensuring poised and stable handling.
As an adjunct to the peace of mind provided by the Symmetrical AWD, Subaru Vehicle Dynamics Control system acts as a vital backstop in emergencies, kicking in only when it's really needed. Sensors monitor vehicle speed, throttle opening, gear position, lateral G, yaw rate, brake status and steering wheel angle, analysing the actual driving situation. Then, a computer simultaneously co-ordinates control of torque distribution, engine output and ABS using braking on the outside-front tyres or both the outside-front and rear tyres to stop the car from spinning—none of which detracts from your everyday pleasure in driving your Subaru. But even if Subaru Vehicle Dynamics Control system never betrays its presence, it's very reassuring to know it's there if needed.
We hope this site has helped you understand how the combination of technologies makes driving a Subaru different from other cars. Seeing how these technologies work together and knowing that we continuously strive to refine them can only add to your enjoyment of Subaru cars—true drivers' cars with unrivalled agility, stability and traction for superb control at every command.
