CONQUERING OFF-ROAD DRIVING IN THE GENESIS GV80
SEOUL, Oct. 3, 2024 — Ever wonder how the Genesis GV80 drives so sporty?
The secret lies in smart technology like the Electronic Limited Slip Differential (e-LSD), which enhances traction on the road. When combined with the Terrain Mode, the all-wheel drive GV80 showcases exceptional performance and capability in various driving conditions.
How LSD Works
Understanding e-LSD begins with grasping the concept of LSD. In a typical setup, power generated by the engine is transmitted to the wheels through the transmission and driveshaft. On straight roads, both the left and right wheels generally rotate at the same speed.
However, when facing off-road conditions such as sand, mud or water, the circumstances could change swiftly. If one wheel of the axle gets stuck while the other remains unaffected, a difference in rotational speeds occurs.
A similar situation arises when turning corners. The outer wheel typically covers a greater distance than the inner wheel due to the larger turning radius. This is why a differential gear is needed to distribute power differently to the left and right drive wheels.
When turning a corner without a differential gear, the left and right wheels would rotate at the same speed, creating resistance on the outer wheel and thus increasing the risk of losing control of the vehicle.
But a differential alone is barely sufficient.
The differential transfers power based on the rotational speed difference between the drive wheels, meaning that power tends to concentrate on the wheel with less traction. That added power can lead the wheel to slip and spin, rather than gain the necessary traction to move forward. With the opposite wheel receiving little to no power, the chances of getting stuck increases significantly.
This is where LSD comes in.
As the name suggests, LSD prevents power from being excessively transferred to a wheel that’s slipping or spinning, ensuring that both the left and right wheels maintain adequate drive power and traction.
Electronic Vs. Mechanical LSD
Among the two main types of LSD, the all-wheel drive GV80 offers the optional electronic LSD, known as e-LSD.
The other type of LSD, called the mechanical LSD (m-LSD), utilizes clutch plates to mechanically control power distribution to both wheels. While m-LSD provides fairly effective power distribution, it only engages when a certain level of difference is detected between the two wheels, meaning that it’s reactive in nature.
In contrast, e-LSD uses electronically controlled clutches to proactively manage the difference in rotations between wheels. In other words, it detects terrain conditions and engages preemptively, allowing for smoother driving than the m-LSD.
The e-LSD system of the all-wheel drive GV80, which is equipped in the rear axle, boasts one of the fastest response times in the industry. Using hydraulic actuators, it detects minute pressure changes in the vehicle based on road conditions and driving situations, distributing optimal power to the left and right rear wheels in less than a tenth of a second.
Terrain Mode
When it comes to truly conquering off-road terrain, the GV80’s combination of the all-wheel drive system, e-LSD and Terrain Mode ensures maximum control and performance.
In Terrain Mode, the e-LSD works in conjunction with the engine control unit (ECU), transmission control unit (TCU) and traction control system (TCS) to optimize the vehicle’s off-road capabilities.
While the e-LSD regulates power distribution between the rear wheels, the TCS oversees traction control for the front wheels.
The Terrain Mode offers three settings: mud, sand and snow.
Under Snow Mode, for example, the GV80’s engine, transmission and four-wheel drive system are all finely tuned to prevent excessive force from reaching the wheels and causing them to slip.
In Mud Mode, the GV80 utilizes its powerful engine to deliver a momentary strong force to all four wheels, effectively allowing the vehicle to quickly escape from muddy terrain.
In Sand Mode, the drivetrain is meticulously controlled to smoothly transmit engine power to all four wheels, maintaining a 50-to-50 distribution of power between the front and rear wheels. This balanced distribution helps prevent the wheels from getting stuck in the sand.
The result is a four-wheel drive system that allows the GV80 to navigate off-road terrain with ease and confidence.
Disclaimer: Specifications may vary depending on region. Please contact your local Genesis retailer for more information.