I read somewhere that the AWD system in the Avenger is AWD from 25-60 mph. Below 25mph it is more of a traction control.
Is any of this correct? If so, is the vehicle more fuel efficient at 70mph than at 55mph?

 

I think I just answered my own question. I just read another article that said the AWD system in the Avenger greatly reduces the power going to the rear wheels at highway speeds in order to reduce friction and improve fuel efficiency (as compared to other AWD systems at highway speeds).

 

The Dodge Avenger R/T’s all-wheel-drive system is normally passive, and power is transmitted solely to the front wheels. However, when driving conditions get dicey and extra traction is needed, Avenger’s AWD system anticipates slip by responding to pedal position and transfers power to the rear wheels. The system contributes to good fuel economy by operating only on demand, thereby minimizing power-robbing friction and inertia. Avenger’s Electronically Controlled Coupling (ECC) AWD system is easier to calibrate, more flexible, more precise and less costly than viscous-coupling, Torsen® or gerotor systems. “Unlike all-wheel-drive systems that rely on pumps or viscous fluids to transfer torque, the Avenger system requires no front-to-rear slippage for activation,� said Dennis Krozek, Chief Engineer—Dodge Avenger. “This allows the system to transfer torque in response to accelerator pedal position.� If the driver, via the pedal, is asking for a lot of power, the system immediately starts clamping the ECC, transferring a high percentage of power to the rear wheels. Power is transmitted to all four wheels, which helps prevent the front wheels from slipping. Avenger’s AWD system also uses feedback from wheel-speed sensors to determine how much torque to transfer to the rear wheels. If the Avenger’s front wheels start to slip on ice, but the rear wheels are on dry pavement, the AWD system tells the ECC to start clamping and sends even more torque to the rear wheels to minimize slippage and get the vehicle moving. The ECC system also knows when to modulate the amount of power sent to the rear wheels. If the vehicle is traveling at highway speeds and starts to hydroplane, the system sends very little power to the rear wheels because the ECC knows the rear wheels don’t need a lot of power in that situation. “While other automakers limit AWD to helping aid traction or provide off-road capability, Avenger’s all-wheel drive system also is used to influence vehicle dynamics,� Krozek added. “We’ve calibrated the Electronic Control Module so that it controls torque to the rear wheels for improved handling in the 25-65 mph range.� When traveling faster than 25 mph, Dodge Avenger’s AWD system sends torque to the rear wheels when cornering with the throttle open to make the car turn more easily, which makes the handling more neutral. This is more readily accomplished with Avenger’s ECC than with viscous-coupling or gerotor systems that require some degree of front-to-rear slip to transfer torque to the rear wheels. At speeds greater than 53 mph, the control strategy provides minimal torque to the rear wheels under normal driving conditions to provide better fuel economy. For the U.S. market, ESP with Traction Control is available on Avenger SXT and R/T models and standard on the Avenger R/T AWD model. Avenger’s AWD electronic control module interfaces with ESP and Traction Control systems, allowing the ESP system to use the ECC to help gain control of the vehicle, reducing the amount of torque that the ECC transmits to the rear wheels.




You can read more here: http://www.allpar.com/cars/dodge/avenger.html

 

Wow! Very thorough...thanks for the info merchjo!