Buick Encore Gets Innovative All-Wheel Drive System

The latest model of the Buick Encore SUV will feature an innovative Active On-Demand all wheel drive system. The new system will send torque to the rear with every start. If there is not any slippage detected, the new system will return the Encore back to primarily front-wheel drive. The traditional system only sends force to the rear when it is a detected that the torque has slipped.

Buick’s new AWD system first came to light when engineers were developing an AWD system for the luxury SUV model Buick Enclave. Due to the success of the AWD system on the Enclave, Buick made the decision to apply the system to the smaller Encore. Buick also decided to team up with Borg-Warner to produce a compact coupling system that is triggered by a magnetic charge, which allowed engineers to fit an all-wheel drive system into a compact front-wheel drive system.

The lighter weight of the Buick Encore allows the AWD system to react faster. In addition, the lighter weight makes it easier for the vehicle to control and transmit torque. Plus, the lighter weight allows for improved performance during tight turns and makes it easier for the AWD system to work with other safety systems such as stability control and ABS.

The Active On-Demand AWD system also helps improve gas mileage for the Buick Encore, which is estimated at around 23 miles per gallon in the city and 30 miles per gallon on the highway. The Encore’s mpg is greater than most other all-wheel drive SUV vehicles available to date. Only the Mazda CX-5 and the latest model of the Ford Escape rival the Encore’s mpg.

According to Buick, the latest Encore with the new AWD system is expected to arrive at Dave Arbogast in early 2013. The new Encore will feature a 1.4 liter turbocharged 138 horsepower engine and will be mated with an automatic six-speed transmission.

In short, the affordable priced 2014 Buick Encore with the new Active On-Demand AWD system will improve handling by making all-wheel drive smoother, lighter and quicker to respond.