ATTESA E-TS: The Heart of GT-R's All-Wheel Drive
The GT-R's all-wheel-drive system, known as ATTESA E-TS (Advanced Total Traction Engagement System with Electronic Torque Split), is one of the most sophisticated AWD systems ever developed for a production sports car. This system has evolved through each GT-R generation, becoming increasingly sophisticated while maintaining its core philosophy: rear-biased all-wheel drive that behaves like a rear-wheel-drive car until traction demands more front-wheel power.
How ATTESA E-TS Works
The ATTESA E-TS system is fundamentally a rear-wheel-drive-biased all-wheel-drive system. Under normal driving conditions, 100% of engine power is sent to the rear wheels, giving the GT-R the handling characteristics of a rear-wheel-drive sports car. The system only engages the front wheels when it detects wheel slip or when the computer determines additional traction is needed.
**Key Components:**
- **Center differential**: Connects the front and rear drivelines
- **Electronically controlled multi-plate clutch pack**: Distributes torque between front and rear axles
- **Wheel speed sensors**: Monitor each wheel's rotation speed
- **Yaw rate sensor**: Detects vehicle rotation
- **Lateral G sensor**: Measures cornering forces
- **Engine control unit (ECU)**: Processes sensor data and controls clutch engagement
Torque Distribution
The ATTESA E-TS system can vary torque distribution between the front and rear axles from 100% rear / 0% front to 50% rear / 50% front. The system makes these adjustments in milliseconds based on real-time data from multiple sensors:
- **Normal driving**: 100% rear-wheel drive for optimal handling and fuel efficiency
- **Acceleration**: Slight front-wheel engagement for improved traction
- **Cornering**: Variable distribution based on lateral G-forces and yaw rate
- **Low traction**: Increased front-wheel torque when rear slip is detected
- **Emergency maneuvers**: Rapid torque vectoring to maintain stability
R32 ATTESA E-TS (1989-1994)
The original ATTESA E-TS system in the R32 GT-R was groundbreaking for its time. It featured a hydraulic multi-plate clutch that could engage the front wheels within milliseconds of detecting rear wheel slip. The system was relatively simple but highly effective, contributing to the R32's incredible racing dominance.
**R32 AWD Features:**
- Hydraulic clutch engagement
- Reactive system (engages after slip is detected)
- Maximum 50% front torque split
- No active torque vectoring
R33 and R34 ATTESA E-TS Pro (1995-2002)
The R33 and R34 generations featured an improved ATTESA E-TS Pro system with additional capabilities:
- **Active torque vectoring**: Can apply braking force to individual wheels to help rotate the car through corners
- **Predictive engagement**: Uses throttle position and steering angle to anticipate traction needs
- **Improved response time**: Faster clutch engagement
- **Driver-selectable modes**: Some variants allowed drivers to adjust AWD behavior
The R34 GT-R V-Spec II introduced the Active LSD (Limited Slip Differential), which could actively vary torque between the left and right rear wheels, further enhancing cornering performance.
R35 GR4 All-Wheel Drive System (2007-Present)
The R35 GT-R features the most advanced AWD system in the GT-R lineage, called the GR4 (Grip 4WD) system. This system builds upon the ATTESA E-TS foundation with modern electronics and additional components:
**R35 AWD Features:**
- **Rear torque vectoring**: Independently brakes individual rear wheels to rotate the car
- **Predictive traction control**: Uses GPS and driving data to anticipate traction needs
- **Multiple drive modes**: Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Race modes adjust AWD behavior
- **Launch control integration**: Optimizes AWD for maximum acceleration
- **Track mode**: Preserves optimal AWD settings for track driving
The R35's system can analyze driving data and adjust AWD parameters based on:
- Track layout (using GPS data)
- Driving style
- Road surface conditions
- Weather conditions
Performance Benefits
The GT-R's AWD system provides several key performance advantages:
**1. Superior Traction**: The ability to send power to all four wheels gives the GT-R exceptional grip during acceleration, especially in wet or slippery conditions.
**2. Predictable Handling**: The rear-biased nature of the system gives the GT-R rear-wheel-drive-like handling characteristics, making it more predictable and easier to control at the limit.
**3. Quick Transition**: The system can engage the front wheels within milliseconds, providing traction exactly when needed.
**4. Stability**: The AWD system helps maintain stability during emergency maneuvers and in adverse weather conditions.
**5. Launch Performance**: Combined with launch control, the AWD system enables the GT-R to achieve incredible 0-60 mph times consistently.
Comparison to Competitors
The GT-R's AWD system differs from competitors in several ways:
- **vs. Audi Quattro**: GT-R is more rear-biased, while Quattro is more front-biased
- **vs. Porsche AWD**: GT-R's system is more reactive, while Porsche uses more predictive algorithms
- **vs. Subaru AWD**: GT-R's system is more performance-oriented, while Subaru's is more weather-focused
The Evolution Continues
As the GT-R continues to evolve, so does its all-wheel-drive system. Future iterations may include:
- Hybrid integration with electric motors at each axle
- Even faster torque vectoring capabilities
- Machine learning algorithms that adapt to individual driving styles
- Integration with autonomous driving features
The ATTESA E-TS system remains one of the GT-R's defining characteristics, contributing to its reputation for combining supercar performance with everyday usability in all weather conditions. It's a key reason why the GT-R can outperform cars costing twice as much while remaining accessible to drivers of varying skill levels.
