VAQ - electronically controlled differential lock

VAQ is a system that helps the car turn better in tight corners. It was first used in the Volkswagen Golf GTI Performance.

The classic Golf GTI uses the XDS + system, which uses electronics to brake the inner wheel so that it does not oversteer. Occasionally, however, a situation arises where the inner wheel slips and the front of the vehicle moves out of the corner in a straight line outward. XDS is quite dependent on various influences. For example. selected tires, road quality, humidity, speed, etc.

All this helps to abandon the new VAQ system. It is an electronically controlled multi-disc system that is somewhat similar to the Haldex center clutch. It is very responsive and only works when you really need it. Thus, it sends the required Newton meters to the outer wheel at the appropriate time, the required torque is generated around the vertical axis of the body, and the front of the vehicle is more easily guided in a curve.

It also eliminates the disadvantage of mechanical limited-slip differentials such as the Torsen used in the Renault Mégane RS or Peugeot RCZ R. These systems only work best at higher speeds when the inner wheel is lightened. At lower speeds, when the inner wheel is not lightened, the Newton meters may not move towards the outer wheel (depending, of course, on the type of front axle, wheel deflection, etc.), as a result of which the car does not want to turn a lot. The electronics in the VAQ system remedy this disadvantage and help the car to turn even at lower speeds when the wheel is not yet lightened.