Jan 30, 2019 – TORRANCE, Calif.
- Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®) performance technology spans four generations, currently available on 5 of 6 Acura models
- Global sales of SH-AWD-equipped Acura vehicles to top one million in 2019, with more than 925,000 sold to-date
Acura is celebrating the 15th anniversary of its industry-leading Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®) technology with a new video that illustrates SH-AWD®’s performance prowess and unique history. Acura’s groundbreaking SH-AWD® technology has long set the bar for performance-enhancing torque vectoring AWD and is now offered on five of six Acura models in either mechanical (SH-AWD) or electric (Sport Hybrid SH-AWD) form. Additionally, Acura will surpass the one-million mark in global sales of SH-AWD®-equipped vehicles later this year.
In 2004, the first generation of Acura SH-AWD debuted on the 2005 RL sedan as the world’s first torque-vectoring all-wheel drive system. The technology, which dynamically distributes engine torque for enhanced handling and cornering performance, has been continuously advanced through multiple generations of development and deployed on Acura’s most popular models. The newest and most powerful generation of mechanical Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) debuted on the 2019 RDX in June 2018, boasting 40 percent more torque capacity at the rear axle, quicker front-to-rear torque transfer and 30 percent quicker transfer of torque between the left and right rear wheels.
Acura SH-AWD was expanded into the electrified realm with the launch of Sport Hybrid SH-AWD in the 2014 RLX Sport Hybrid. This was followed by the second generation NSX, the only electrified supercar on sale today, and 2017 MDX Sport Hybrid. Sport Hybrid SH-AWD utilizes instantly available electric motor torque to elevate dynamic performance and efficiency. The Acura MDX and RLX apply a rear-mounted Twin Motor Unit (TMU) and front-mounted gas-electric hybrid engine, while the Acura NSX features a unique mid-engine sports car configuration with a front-mounted TMU. Despite configuration differences, all three Sport Hybrid models apply the same technology and utilize many of the same components across supercar, SUV and sedan.
Acura SH-AWD: Through the Years
| 1st Generation SH-AWD | |
| Applied on: | About: |
| RL (2005-2012) | The world’s first all-wheel drive platform that actively and continually distributes torque not only to enhance traction, but also to elevate cornering performance. By overdriving the rear wheels SH-AWD can provide an inward yaw moment while accelerating into and through corners. |
| 2nd Generation SH-AWD | |
| MDX (2007-2015) RDX (2007-2012) TL (2009-2014) ZDX (2010-2013) |
SH-AWD is enhanced with Hill Logic that automatically adjusts the front/rear torque split based on the grade of the underlying surface as well the integration of Vehicle Stability Assit (VSA) and, in 2009, Traction Control Systems (TCS). The rear differential is constantly overdriven by 1.7 percent. |
| 3rd Generation SH-AWD | |
| MDX (2016-Present) TLX (2015-Present) |
The 3rd generation system utilizes a 25 percent lighter rear differential with reduced friction and increased yaw effect. The rear differential is constantly overdriven by 2.7 percent, providing a greater torque-vectoring effect across a broader spectrum of driving conditions to further enhance cornering capability. |
| 4th Generation SH-AWD | |
| RDX (2019-Present) | The newest version of Acura’s mechanical SH-AWD is more compact than before while offering 30 percent faster response and a 40 percent increase in maximum torque capacity. |
| Sport Hybrid SH-AWD | |
| RLX (2014-Present) NSX (2017-Present) MDX (2017-Present) |
The first and still only electric torque-vectoring system in the world to enhance every element of dynamic performance – acceleration, braking and cornering – able to apply both positive and negative electric motor torque with instantaneous response on- and off-throttle. |
About Acura
Acura is a leading automotive luxury nameplate that delivers Precision Crafted Performance – a commitment to evocative styling, high performance and innovative engineering, all built on a foundation of quality and reliability. The Acura lineup features six distinctive models – the RLX premium luxury sedan, the TLX performance luxury sedan, the ILX sport sedan, the five-passenger RDX luxury crossover SUV, the seven-passenger Acura MDX, America’s all-time best-selling three-row luxury SUV, and the next-generation, electrified NSX supercar.
Five of the six Acura models sold in North America are made in central Ohio, using domestic and globally-sourced parts, including the ILX and TLX luxury sports sedans (Marysville Auto Plant), the RDX and MDX luxury SUVs (East Liberty Auto Plant) and the Acura NSX supercar, which is built to order at the Performance Manufacturing Center in Marysville, Ohio.
Additional media information including pricing, features & specifications and high-resolution photography is available at AcuraNews.com. Consumer information is available at Acura.com. Follow Acura on social media at Acura.us/SocialChannels.
[Source: Acura]