The salesman was very coy about the mechanical details of the drivetrain on my wife's '15 Outback Premium 2.5l with CVT.
There seems to be a computer controlled clutch that transfers power to the rear axle. That's about all I know. The rest is a mystery. Are the differentials open or is there is a limited slip in the rear. I get the bit about traction control actuating brakes on individual wheels (I think).
On a tight frosty corner she took a bit fast the other day she said the steering wheel turned in a bit by itself. I wonder if what really happened is the inside brakes applied which gave her that impression.
On a tight frosty corner she took a bit fast the other day she said the steering wheel turned in a bit by itself. I wonder if what really happened is the inside brakes applied which gave her that impression.
Active Torque Vectoring works in tandem with VDC applying braking power to the inside front wheel resulting in sharper turn-in, more neutral steering and higher cornering limits when turning.
Front and rear differentials are open and there is not traditional type center differential on the CVT. Limited slip differential is only available on the BRZ and STi models. Not even on the WRX anymore. Rear LSD has not been available on an Outback since the 2009 model year.
I get the bit about traction control actuating brakes on individual wheels (I think).
On a tight frosty corner she took a bit fast the other day she said the steering wheel turned in a bit by itself. I wonder if what really happened is the inside brakes applied which gave her that impression.
It's hard to say but I have noticed this happen to me on a couple of occasions, always on a curve with changing elevation and an icy surface. The first time was the day after a very large storm and my '00 Outback Limited got totalled. We got a brand new 2008 Impreza as a rental. Then it happened once in my 2009 3.0R Limited. I can only assume it was the VDC system. I don't believe it has the ability to change steering input but it definitely felt like it at both times.
The first time scared the bejeezus out of my because it actually counteracted my input and because of the way the roadway was it pushed me toward the ditch. The second time wasn't nearly as bad. I've driven RWD exclusively most of my life and consider myself to be quite a good driver, especially in foul weather. I now drive with VDC turned off when inclement weather or road conditions are particularly nasty.
Unfortunately after 2009 Subaru does not allow this system to be fully deactivated. What I suggest for all new Subaru owners is that when winter weather is bad, get out and drive it. Find a closed road private property, or a parking lot and push it hard. Learn the way it reacts. Try to spin out, make foolish mistakes and see how the car reacts. It will make you a better driver if and when there is a time when you lose control or need to an evasive maneuver if somebody else around you loses control.
In the last two years alone in blizzardy conditions on the highway I've had 9 vehicles spin out in front of me or go in the ditch. Most are speed related, some have been attentiveness, most likely were on substandard tires for conditions.
Slow down. Be alert. Be defensive. Take care of your car and your tires. Give people space. Use turn signals. All of the electronic wizardry in the world won't save you from an Escalade that spins out on 30 series summer tires and comes careening at you backwards. Not even Eyesight. And don't even get me started on flocks of turkeys and white-tail deer.
I used to be a fan of limited slip diffs but modern traction controls have made them obsolete for most applications.
A limited slip can negatively affect tire wear and stability. An open diff is best 99.9% of the time.