A traction control system for a trailing vehicle includes an electric machine, a ground engaging apparatus in contact with a ground surface, and a disconnect device connected between the electric machine and the ground engaging apparatus. The traction control system includes one or more speed sensors to determine a differential speed of the disconnect device. The traction control system includes a controller determines when to disengage the disconnect device based in part upon the speed of the ground engaging apparatus exceeding an upper threshold.

A vehicle control system to be mounted in a hybrid electric vehicle includes an engine, a center differential that includes a front-wheel-side output portion and a rear-wheel-side output portion and distributes torque outputted from the engine to a front wheel and a rear wheel, a limited slip differential mechanism that limits a differential between the front-wheel-side output portion and the rear-wheel-side output portion, and a motor disposed in a drive-power transferring system that transfers drive power from the rear-wheel-side output portion to the rear wheel. The vehicle control system includes a processor. When the hybrid electric vehicle is switched from a first traveling mode to a second traveling mode, the processor stops the engine while causing the limited slip differential mechanism to limit the differential between the front-wheel-side output portion and the rear-wheel-side output portion.

A dual drive unit may include two motors, two power transfer mechanisms, and two output shafts. The output shafts are co-linear. The dual drive unit may include two single drive units, which may be similar to each other, coupled together at a joint, which may optionally include a clutch. A drive unit may be modular, and various components may be combined to provide power to an output shaft. For example, a drive unit may include a differential at a first interface, which may be removable, and two drive units may be coupled together at the first interface. A drive unit may have a Z configuration, wherein a motor on a first side of a vehicle powers a wheel on an opposite side of the vehicle.

The invention includes first and second motors, first and second differential mechanisms, and first to eighth decoupling mechanisms. The first and second motors transmit power to left and right wheels. First differential mechanisms distribute the power from the first and second motors. The first and second mechanisms are interposed between the first differential mechanism and the left front wheel and between the differential mechanism and the left rear wheel. The third and fourth decoupling mechanisms are interposed between the first motor and the first decoupling mechanism and between the first motor and the second decoupling mechanism. The fifth and sixth decoupling mechanisms are interposed between the second differential mechanism and the right front wheel and the right rear wheel, respectively. The seventh and eighth decoupling mechanisms are interposed between the second motor and the fifth decoupling mechanism and between the second motor and the sixth decoupling mechanism.

The invention includes first and second motors, first and second differential mechanisms, and first to eighth decoupling mechanisms. The first and second motors transmit power to left and right wheels. First differential mechanisms distribute the power from the first and second motors. The first and second mechanisms are interposed between the first differential mechanism and the left front wheel and between the differential mechanism and the left rear wheel. The third and fourth decoupling mechanisms are interposed between the first motor and the first decoupling mechanism and between the first motor and the second decoupling mechanism. The fifth and sixth decoupling mechanisms are interposed between the second differential mechanism and the right front wheel and the right rear wheel, respectively. The seventh and eighth decoupling mechanisms are interposed between the second motor and the fifth decoupling mechanism and between the second motor and the sixth decoupling mechanism.

The controller is programmed to perform first control that controls a driving force distributor such as to decrease a distribution rate upon satisfaction of a predetermined condition that a frequency of at least one rotation fluctuation of an output member of the drive system, a main drive wheel and a sub drive wheel is within a predetermined area, compared with the distribution rate upon non-satisfaction of the predetermined condition.

The controller is programmed to perform first control that controls a driving force distributor such as to decrease a distribution rate upon satisfaction of a predetermined condition that a frequency of at least one rotation fluctuation of an output member of the drive system, a main drive wheel and a sub drive wheel is within a predetermined area, compared with the distribution rate upon non-satisfaction of the predetermined condition.

An all-wheel drive system includes a center differential, a limited-slip differential clutch, a front-wheel torque transmission system, a rear-wheel torque transmission system, and a controller. The center differential distributes torque between front and rear wheels of a vehicle. The limited-slip differential clutch limits a differential operation of the center differential in accordance with an engaging pressure, and changes a front-rear torque distribution ratio between the front and rear wheels. The front-wheel torque transmission system transmits torque between the center differential and the front wheels. The rear-wheel torque transmission system transmits torque between the center differential and the rear wheels. The controller adjusts the engaging pressure based on a driving state of the vehicle. Reduction ratios of the front-wheel and rear-wheel torque transmission systems are set different from each other. The center differential is configured such that the front-rear torque distribution ratio is initially unequal and is changeable.

An apparatus and methods are provided for a transmission for a rear mid-engine vehicle. The transmission comprises a power transfer portion for receiving torque from the engine and a gearbox for providing conversions of rotational speed and torque. First and second side output portions conduct torque from the gearbox to the rear wheels. A forward output portion conducts torque to front wheels of a four-wheel drive vehicle. An air clutch comprising each output portion controls the degree of torque transferred to each wheel. The output portions are each coupled to a rear wheel by a rear axle, bevel gears, and rear portal gears. The rear axles are aligned with, and positioned above, the trailing arms to protect the rear axles from damage due to rocks and debris. The length and alignment of the rear axles cause CV joints to articulate in the same direction as the trailing arms.

An apparatus and methods are provided for a transmission for a rear mid-engine vehicle. The transmission comprises a power transfer portion for receiving torque from the engine and a gearbox for providing conversions of rotational speed and torque. First and second side output portions conduct torque from the gearbox to the rear wheels. A forward output portion conducts torque to front wheels of a four-wheel drive vehicle. An air clutch comprising each output portion controls the degree of torque transferred to each wheel. The output portions are each coupled to a rear wheel by a rear axle, bevel gears, and rear portal gears. The rear axles are aligned with, and positioned above, the trailing arms to protect the rear axles from damage due to rocks and debris. The length and alignment of the rear axles cause CV joints to articulate in the same direction as the trailing arms.