What the diff?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Technical Discussion' started by Jonny Zero, Feb 5, 2015.

  1. Jonny Zero

    Jonny Zero Giggidy

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    What kind of differential does the Prius have? Is it just a plain old open diff and relies on the FWD weight on the drive wheels and traction control?
     
    #1 Jonny Zero, Feb 5, 2015
  2. David Beale

    David Beale Senior Member

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    Looks like a standard diff to me in the pictures.
     
    #2 David Beale, Feb 5, 2015
  3. hlunde

    hlunde Member

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    It's not limited slip if that's what you mean.
     
    #3 hlunde, Feb 5, 2015
  4. FuelMiser

    FuelMiser Senior Member

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    I don't believe any front drive cars, including conventional gas engine, have a differential since transmission and differential functions are combined in a transaxle. Look at Wikipedia for a description of the Prius' Hybrid Synergy Drive.
     
    #4 FuelMiser, Feb 5, 2015
  5. CR94

    CR94 Senior Member

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    In a word, yes. Traction control is supposed to minimize need for a limited-slip differential.
     
    #5 CR94, Feb 5, 2015
  6. alekska

    alekska Active Member

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    I assume you are trying to say - they don't have a differential as a separate unit. That's correct. Differential is inside of the transaxle.

    Alex
     
    #6 alekska, Feb 5, 2015
  7. Jonny Zero

    Jonny Zero Giggidy

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    Yes, I was wondering if the Prius has an LSD to lay down all that awesome power! :confused:
     
    #7 Jonny Zero, Feb 6, 2015
  8. David Beale

    David Beale Senior Member

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    Because of the aggressive traction control, limited slip would be superfluous. You can't really spin a/the wheels. Though if they added a Torsen type it might be better on ice and in the snow and mud, reducing the traction control intervention. ;)
     
    #8 David Beale, Feb 6, 2015
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