Quote:
Originally Posted by MyPart
No.
"Escape comes standard with front-wheel drive. Escape’s available Intelligent all-wheel-drive (AWD) system was tuned with an emphasis toward driving performance while offering confident all-weather driving. Using a preemptive slip strategy, the system continuously monitors vehicle speed, throttle input and steering angle to seamlessly deliver torque to the appropriate wheel even before wheel slippage occurs. The system also helps eliminate torque steer and helps balance the vehicle when cornering. Intelligent AWD uses an active on-demand coupler to allocate a precise amount of torque from front to rear or side to side, with up to 100 percent of the torque going to either axle. "
ref: Ford Press Release |
The FEH & MMH use the same 4WD system, basically, as did, does, the old Ford Aerostar. In "auto" position the system monitors for torque induced wheelspin/slip and engages the 4WD coupling.
The Aerostar included an actual transfer/diff'l case and that allowed it to DRIVE both front and rear simultaneously, 30/70 normally and then 50/50 with wheelspin/slip.
The FEH/MMH on the other hand just uses a simple clutch coupling to drive the rear wheels when conditions warrant.
Amd therein lies the problem.
The FEH/MMH are FWD, sideways mounted engines.
FWD vehicles MUST NOT BE ALLOWED, EVER, to lose roadbed traction due to engine torque. The HARZARDS are simply too great. Loss of roadbed traction at the front often, TOO OFTEN, leads to loss of directional control and an accident.
Were I to purchase an FEH/MMH I would probably remove a front drive halfshaft and wire 12 volts permanently to the rear drive clutch. Torque induced wheelspin/slip at the rear leaves you, STILL, with directional, stearing, control.
Toyota has just announce a TC, Traction Control, sub-mode, available ONLY on the RWD or R/AWD vehicles. The new sub-mode will allow some level of wheelspin/slip in the event that is what is needed to get unstuck or up and moving initially.
FWD vehicles are PATENTLY UNSAFE in adverse roadbed, ice and packed snow, conditions.