
Automobile 'Kuachuo' refers to full-time four-wheel drive. Below are relevant introductions about automobile 'Kuachuo': 1. Concept: It is the Chinese pronunciation of the English word 'quattro' for Audi's four-wheel drive. The Audi quattro system is a very famous automobile four-wheel drive system. 2. Advantages: The Audi quattro system adopts a purely mechanical full-time four-wheel drive structure. Compared to other four-wheel drives with electronic control devices, quattro is more outstanding in terms of stability, reliability, and safety than many four-wheel drive systems. At the same time, the Torsen differential it is equipped with is far superior to the common multi-plate clutch in both strength and performance.

The term '夸戳' (kuā chuō) actually refers to Audi's quattro all-wheel-drive system, which got its nickname from Chinese car enthusiasts due to its similar pronunciation. What truly makes this system remarkable is its performance on slippery surfaces, such as icy or snowy roads or wet mountain paths. It automatically distributes power to all four wheels via a central differential and electronic systems—sending more power to the rear wheels if the front ones slip, and quickly adjusting during body roll. I've driven a quattro-equipped car on Xinjiang's Duku Highway, and it didn't slip at all on snow-covered roads, feeling much more stable than my friend's two-wheel-drive car. Plus, the latest models now feature quattro ultra technology, which defaults to front-wheel drive for fuel efficiency and activates all-wheel drive only when needed on slippery surfaces—making it incredibly practical.

Among us car enthusiasts, when we mention 'Quattro,' we all know it refers to Audi's legendary all-wheel-drive system, which has been famous in rally racing for over 40 years. It first made its mark on the Audi Sport Quattro race car, dominating WRC events as early as 1980 and leaving all competing teams stunned. Although the civilian version today isn’t as extreme, the essence remains—the iconic lightning bolt and gecko logo symbolize its unparalleled grip. In everyday driving, it might feel similar to a regular AWD system, but when you encounter heavy rain, flooded roads, or muddy terrain, you instantly feel the wheels clinging to the ground like a gecko’s claws. I remember once on a mountain road, I had to pull over onto soft shoulder—without Quattro, I would’ve been stuck for sure.

Young car buyers prioritize performance, and Quattro is Audi's signature four-wheel-drive technology. What makes it coolest is its intelligent power distribution—it doesn't simply split power equally among all four wheels. The system monitors wheel conditions 100 times per second, allocating less power to slipping wheels and more to those with good traction. Modern versions even collaborate with ESP, automatically braking the inner wheels during cornering. When I drove an A4L through snow, the dashboard displayed real-time power distribution graphics—like 70% to the front wheels and 30% to the rear, dynamically changing—which felt particularly high-tech. However, note that not all Audis come with genuine Quattro; some entry-level models use on-demand four-wheel-drive systems.

Twenty years of driving experience has taught me that Quattro shines brightest in northern winters. Traditional 4WD systems either guzzle fuel or react sluggishly, but its multi-plate clutch differential achieves power transfer in just 0.2 seconds. During last year's blizzard in Harbin, I drove my Q5L through half-palm-deep snow at a steady 60 km/h to get my family to the hospital. Daily driving isn't compromised either - the new system can fully decouple the rear axle to operate as FWD, delivering 15% better fuel efficiency than previous generations. The main drawback is slightly higher maintenance costs, with differential fluid changes costing 30% more than regular servicing. But for frequent long-distance drivers or residents of snowy/rainy regions, it's money well spent.

As a car enthusiast, I've researched the evolution of Quattro: The first generation in 1980 featured a mechanical Torsen differential, known for its pure mechanical durability; in 2016, it was updated to a crown gear setup, lighter and with quicker response; the latest version now comes with an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch that can even anticipate road conditions. Once driving a new A6 on melting snow, the system started adjusting power distribution a full 0.5 seconds in advance. When buying a used Audi, I recommend paying special attention to the differential's condition—older Torsen units can last up to 300,000 km, but repairs on the newer electronic components can be quite troublesome. Northern drivers especially should opt for this feature—it's a lifesaver in critical moments.


