Audi revolutionizing quattro AWD system with 'ultra' tech

Audi's quattro all-wheel drive is taking a leap forward with new "ultra" technology that marks the system's first major overhaul in 36 years.

Designed to improve the fuel efficiency of Audi's all-wheel drive vehicles, the basis of the new quattro ultra system is software and a separator clutch at the rear axle.

This allows quattro ultra-equipped vehicles to run in two-wheel drive the majority of the time, with power going to all four wheels only when necessary.

Audi says the system is "predictive," meaning it can tell when all-wheel drive is needed and react accordingly.

According to Audi, engineering tests have shown fuel economy improvements of roughly 0.3 L/100 km in everyday driving.

Given its dependence on so many variables, we will have to wait for the final results before making a judgement.

In the time we did have behind the wheel it was next to impossible to feel when the vehicle was in two-wheel drive and when it switched to all-wheel drive.

Audi has been developing its quattro technology since 1980.

To date, the automaker has sold more than seven million quattro-equipped vehicles.

Currently, 43 per cent of all Audis sold are all-wheel drive.

The new quattro ultra system is set to make its Canadian debut on the 2016 A4 allroad quattro.