Google "Brake Differential Inside Line." Look at the list that comes up: Boxster, 911, 135, McLaren MP4-12C. Well, soon after I hit the go-live button on this blog, one more car will be listed, the 2012 Ford Focus except they're calling it Torque Vectoring Control.
That's right, the 2012 Ford Focus is joining the ranks of other carmakers who've figured out that subtle, single-wheel brake application can mimic the workings of an expensive limited slip differential (though the Boxster Spyder has both an LSD and a brake diff).
The system will automatically apply slight braking force to the inside wheel which will then send more power to the outside wheel during hard cornering. The result is a faster, more stable cornering process without any of that goofy inside-tire wheelspin that makes drivers look dumb. For novice or casual drivers, the system will add confidence and security, especially during difficult driving conditions.
Some of you have already read about, experienced or inferred the inherent problem with a brake diff: When very twisty roads are driven hard, the unit has to work fairly often and that can result in hot, less effective brakes. This is one thing if you've been using the pedal and felt the fade come on. It's another thing altogether when they're hot for no reason and then surprise! Fingers crossed for sturdy brakes.
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