After the evolution of 10 years, Volkswagen Group gradually moved towards modular production with more technical content, so MQB and MLB platforms were born, and the platforms were also classified according to different models. So MLB prefers medium and large cars, so what about MLB? Evo platform came into being, called Evo, which is the abbreviation of evolution. On the one hand, its chassis has strong comprehensive ability and can provide a variety of wheelbase and four-wheel drive functions; At the same time, on the basis of similar chassis structure, more abundant configurations can be obtained to provide different performance requirements. So what did we see in MLB? On the Evo platform, we can not only see Audi A4L, Audi A6L and Audi Q5L, but also the more advanced Volkswagen Touareg, Audi Q7 and Porsche Cayenne, and even the higher-end Bentley Tim Yue and Lamborghini Urus all use this MLB at the same time. Evo platform, but in fact, there is a world of difference in function and chassis configuration, as well as in the handling of details.
Let's move on. MLB？ Evo platform, MLB first? Upgrade the suspension on the Evo platform, and upgrade the front suspension from the standard five-link form to a suspension system with virtual kingpin function. This benefit can literally be understood as the kingpin moves outward, so it is superior to the traditional double wishbone suspension system in performance. Because the original two swing arms are now four independent swing arms, structural mechanics is simpler in force distribution, simpler in the whole material and manufacturing, and easier to control the cost. At the same time, with the progress of manufacturing technology, the suspension tower top has changed from the original split structure to the integrated structure with the car body. This advantage lies not only in reducing the overall weight of the suspension and improving the handling performance, but also in using more aluminum parts and improving the strength of the lightweight body.
Of course, the biggest change is the rear suspension system. Structurally, the rear suspension, like the front suspension, is also in the form of five links. However, this kind of rear suspension does not need a complete steering system, so the steering rod is replaced by a fixed adjustable rod. Therefore, this suspension structure can enhance the driving mode, lateral support force and vertical force of the longitudinal engine, so it has obvious improvement in handling and comfort.
Of course, this suspension system can be equipped with air suspension and variable damping shock absorbers, and at the same time, front and rear active anti-roll bars are added. Compared with the traditional integrated anti-roll bar, the torsional stiffness can be dynamically adjusted with the car body, which can make the car body more stable. Therefore, there will be this configuration on some models that emphasize sports and comfort.
At the same time, the multi-link of the rear suspension can have better ductility, so the transverse tie rod can be equipped with electric drive to adjust the toe-in of the rear wheel, thus realizing the structure of active steering of the rear wheel. Of course, this is also a configuration that some high-end models will have.
Of course, what is more important is the setting of the transmission mechanism. MLB platform originated from Audi's vertical front-wheel drive platform, which continues the four-wheel drive of this drive platform, but there is one less transfer case than the previous PL7 1, so the early MLB platform adopted a purely mechanical limited-slip differential between the front and rear axles and was inherited into the gearbox, so we saw that the gearbox of the early MLB model was very large and included a reducer. The advantage of this is that it can greatly expand the space of the internal passage of the cockpit core layer, and it can also realize the equal length exchange of the left and right half shafts, which is also one of Audi's outstanding contributions to Volkswagen Group.
At the same time, the MLB platform also uses the pure mechanical tolson differential of the rear axle that Audi is proud of. When it comes to MLB? Following the Evo platform, the new electronic limited slip differential has been further expanded. Therefore, we can see that most vehicles like Q5L, A4L and A6 use electronic limited slip differential instead of mechanical differential. On the one hand, it reduces the volume and weight of four-wheel drive, avoids the patent limitation of Torsten differential and improves the economy of the vehicle. Of course, it is also criticized by many people in terms of performance.
Besides, the brand-new MLB? Evo can also be compatible in engine configuration and gearbox matching, because it frees up space in other components, so we see that the overall performance of Volkswagen R series, Audi S series and RS series has been further improved, and it is also because of the evolution of platform technology. Besides, MLB? Evo also optimizes the wind resistance and protection of the chassis, and the chassis is wrapped more tightly and smoothly; The material of the reinforcement also adopts aluminum and high-strength synthetic materials to achieve the purpose of being lighter and improving the strength of the whole vehicle.
To sum up, Volkswagen is indeed more inclined to use technology in the overall design of vehicles to drive the whole vehicle system to be powerful. Of course, this also includes the Volkswagen series pure electric vehicles that will be further listed later. They also have their own unique advancement in chassis and drive technology, so don't blindly pursue simple and stable structure, but look at the whole automobile industry from the perspective of scientific and technological development.
This article comes from car home, the author of the car manufacturer, and does not represent car home's position.