Handling dynamics
Information on the sport differential
WARNING
Your vehicle must not be towed if there is a
fault in the electronic steering lock – risk of
accident!
The sport differential varies the distribution of
power between the driven wheels on the rear
axle according to the prevailing conditions. A
high level of agility and acceleration is therefore
achieved during cornering, while the vehicle re-
sponds well to steering input. The settings de-
pend on the Audi drive select mode selected.
Four-wheel drive
(quattro)
Introduction
Driver messages about the four-wheel drive
The four-wheel drive system varies the distribu-
tion of power to the front and rear axles and thus
improves the vehicle’s handling characteristics. It
interacts with a selective wheel torque control,
which may intervene when cornering ðpage 116.
The following driver messages may appear, de-
pending on the equipment installed in your vehi-
cle:
Dynamic driving system: fault. Function re-
This combination gives the car exceptional han-
dling capabilities – both on normal roads and in
more difficult conditions, such as snow and ice.
Even so (or perhaps especially for this reason), it
is important to observe certain safety points
stricted. Please contact workshop
The function is restricted. You can continue driv-
ing carefully. Drive to a qualified workshop soon.
Dynamic driving system: overheating.
ð
.
Please adapt driving style
The temperature of the drive system has risen
significantly. You should avoid performance driv-
ing until the temperature drops to the normal
level and the indicator lamp goes out.
quattro ultra
If four-wheel drive is not required for the current
road conditions, the rear part of the drive train is
uncoupled in order to save fuel. The system con-
tinuously analyses whether four-wheel drive is re-
quired. This allows the rear part of the drive train
to be recoupled shortly before it is needed.
Four-wheel drive: please check tyres. See
owner's manual
A difference in the rolling circumferences of the
front and rear tyres has been detected. All four
wheels must be fitted with tyres of the same
type, size (rolling circumference) and tread pat-
tern. Check the tyres and correct the tyre pres-
sures if necessary. If the indicator lamp does not
disappear, contact a qualified workshop.
WARNING
– Even with four-wheel drive, you should al-
ways adjust your speed to suit the condi-
tions – risk of accident!
– The braking ability of your car is limited by
the grip of the tyres. In this respect, your car
is no different from a car without four-wheel
drive. Therefore, do not be tempted to drive
too fast – risk of accident!
Electronic stabilisation
control
– On wet roads bear in mind that the front
wheels may start to “aquaplane” and lose
contact with the road if the car is driven too
fast. If this should happen, there will be no
sudden increase in engine speed, as with a
front-wheel drive car. Therefore, do not
drive too fast in the wet: adjust your speed
to suit the conditions (accident risk).
Introduction
The electronic stabilisation control (ESC) increa-
ses the car's stability. It reduces the tendency to
skid and improves the stability and roadholding
of the vehicle. The ESC detects critical handling
115
English 
