Glossary
11Glossary
Adaptive Chassis Control
The electrically controlled dampers of adaptive chassis control constantly adjust
to the road conditions, the driving situation and driver’s requirements. Using a
button located on the centre console, the driver selects between three damper
settings – NORMAL, COMFORT and SPORT.
Starting from the normal setting, the driver can change the basic character of the
car towards sporty or more comfort-oriented driving. In SPORT and COMFORT
settings, the corresponding name is illuminated in the button. In NORMAL
setting, only the shock absorber symbol is illuminated. In all settings, the
adaptive chassis control adjusts the damping to the particular driving situation
(up till one thousand times per second) which means it offers an optimum level of
driving comfort and enjoyment at all times. In addition, in the SPORT setting the
steering feel is also adapted. Particularly on winding roads and poor surfaces,
using adaptive chassis control offers sporty and yet comfortable driving.
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
When braking, wheel speed sensors measure the road wheel speed and should
one or more wheels start to lock the ABS system reduces brake pressure to
that wheel. This prevents the wheels from locking during heavy or emergency
braking, enabling the vehicle to remain steerable.
Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR)
ASR is a traction control system that prevents the wheels from spinning under
acceleration by reducing engine torque.
Brake Assist
During emergency braking, Brake Assist aids the driver by increasing the brake
pressure automatically to a level exceeding the locking limit. The ABS is thus
quickly brought into the operating range, which enables maximum vehicle
deceleration to be achieved.
Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG)
DSG is a manual gearbox in which the gearshifts are controlled electronically.
What makes the DSG unique is that it has 2 separate gear sets operated by
2clutches. The benefit of 2 gear sets and 2 clutches is that one gear set and clutch
is engaged driving the vehicle with the second disengaged clutch having already
pre-selected the next gear awaiting for power to be transferred. As the next gear
has already been pre-selected prior to power being applied, the gear change only
takes 3–4 100ths of a second. There is virtually no interruption to power, traction
or acceleration. The DSG also offers Tiptronic gear selection and sports mode.
Electronic Brake-pressure Distribution (EBD)
Electronic, more sophisticated means of regulating the ratio of front/rear brake
pressure. Settings are varied according to driving and load conditions to ensure
each wheel is braked to the optimum extent.
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)
EDL improves driving and steering characteristics when accelerating on road
surfaces where each wheel has a different degree of traction. The system
operates automatically and is combined with the ABS system. Using the ABS
wheel sensors, EDL monitors the speed of the individual driving wheels. When a
difference in driving wheel speed is detected (i.e. when one wheel starts to spin
due to differences in road surfaces, e.g. due to water or dirt) the system brakes
the spinning wheel, transferring engine power to the wheel with the best traction.
Electronic Stabilisation Program (ESP)
ABS and ASR traction control systems are integrated into the Electronic
Stabilisation Program (ESP). In short, ESP helps ensure that the vehicle goes
where you steer it even in extreme driving conditions. The ESP system constantly
compares the actual movement of the vehicle with pre-determined values and
should a situation arise where the vehicle starts to skid, ESP will apply the brakes
to individual wheels and automatically adjust the engine’s power output to correct
the problem. ESP prevents the vehicle from losing control when trying to avoid an
accident, for example. It also reduces the effects of understeer or oversteer.
Extended Electronic Differential Lock (XDL)
XDL is an extension of the Electronic Differential Lock (EDL) function.
Whencornering, XDL responds to the load relief at the front wheel on the inside
of a corner. The ESP hydraulics are used for the XDL to apply pressure to the
wheel on the inside of the corner in order to prevent wheel spin. This improves
traction and reduces the tendency to understeer. As a direct result of the one-
sided and precise braking pressure, cornering is sportier and more accurate.
Hill Start Assist (HSA)
Hill Start Assist (HSA) holds the vehicle when the foot brake is released by
temporarily locking the brake pressure (for a maximum of 1.5 seconds) to
provide comfortable starting-off without rolling back. Hill Start Assist (HSA)
operates on inclines greater than 5% and is fitted in combination with both the
manual transmission and the Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG).
