Found this on the RDX site. Nice review on SH-AWD. Same event at Mecaglisse, but this is the first article that I have seen that talked in detail about the how the system worked, especially in comparison to quattro, 4matic, etc.


http://www.canadiandriver.com/articles/pw/acura_awd.htm

 

they guy used "centrifugal" force. it's supposed to be centripital. no such thing as centrifugal. dang, never knew centrifugal was such a missconception.

but yeah, go acura/honda!

 

Sorry, but I don't think centripal is a word. According to the American Heritage Dictionary, the correct word is centrifugal and is defined as such:


cen·trif·u·gal (sěn-trĭf'ye-gəl, -trĭf'ə-) Pronunciation Key
adj.
1. Moving or directed away from a center or axis.

 

It's "centripetal."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Centrifugal_force

 

Thanks. You learn something new everyday!

 

yeah, i ment centripetal, just spelled it wrong

i remembered it from my physics book long ago. it even had a picture of a car turning, and saying it's centripetal force rather than the common misconception centrifugal force.

 

lol i dont mean to be a nerd but the website is right. centripetal force is the force that pulls the object torward the center. while centrifugal force (not really a force, more of intertia) is a force that "pushes" the car away from the corner. the website was saying that the centrifugal force, will cause the car to slip then the centripetal force from the sophisticated sh-awd will pull with centripetal force into torward the corner.

physics baby

 

There's no mention in the article about starting out from standstill on slippery surfaces. One review previously posted here wasn't as favorable about SH-AWD under those circumstances. Everyone seems to agree that the system is great when moving.

 

Turning the VSA off when starting on a slippery surface works wonders. Then turn it back on once you get going.