How the system works during incline starts
When the vehicle starts off on a flat road surface, the system bases the front/rear driving force distribution on the vehicle's front/rear weight distribution, since this is the ideal method for delivering stable driving. Thus, on a flat surface, the system uses a 60:40 driving force distribution, which is based on the weight distribution of a typical front-wheel drive vehicle. One weakness of front-wheel-drive vehicles, is their relative lack of traction when they start off uphill on slippery surfaces such as snow-covered hills. The reason is that load shifts to the rear on an uphill gradient, lessening the force pressing down on the front wheels and therefore also the wheels’ capacity to transmit force to the road surface.
When Real Time AWD detects an incline based on G sensor information, it increases the distribution of driving force to the rear wheels, which on an incline bear a larger load and have a greater ability to transmit force than the front wheels. More power to the rear wheels helps the vehicle start off and begin to climb immediately. In contrast, a system that distributes driving force to the rear wheels only after the front wheels slip causes a time lag to occur before the vehicle starts moving, a situation that drivers may find unpleasant. Thanks to its predictive control, Real Time AWD is exceptionally responsive, optimally distributing driving force to the front and rear wheels as soon as the accelerator pedal is depressed. The end result is greater control and peace of mind as the vehicle starts off.