SH-AWD

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Super Handling-All Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) is a full-time, fully automatic, all-wheel drive traction and handling system, which combines front-rear torque distribution control with independently regulated torque distribution to the left and right rear wheels. This way the system freely distributes the optimum amount of torque to all four wheels according to the driving conditions.^[1] The system was announced in April 2004, and was introduced in the North American market in the second generation 2005 model year Acura RL, and in Japan as the fourth generation Honda Legend.^[1]

Originally implemented in the Acura RL, SH-AWD allows torque to be continuously distributed between front and rear wheels from 70% front/30% rear to 30% front/70% rear, with up to 100% of the rear power being distributed to the outer left or right wheel to assist in cornering and dramatically reducing understeer. For example, in straight-line, full-throttle acceleration, the RL is capable of distributing 40% of torque to the rear wheels and 60% to the front wheels.^[2] In a hard turn, up to 100% of the rear wheel power can be distributed to the single, outer rear wheel. This action pushes the rear around the corner, reducing understeer and keeping the car balanced and controlled.^[2] The effect is similar to steering a row boat where applying more power to one oar can turn the boat.

The SH-AWD all-wheel-drive system was lauded by Popular Science as one of the best automotive innovations of 2004,^{[citation needed]} and as part of an already tech-filled vehicle helped to earn the 2005 "Tech car of the year" from CNET.^[3]

Honda has since announced an evolution of SH-AWD using hybrid electric technology. In a 2012 announcement, Sport Hybrid SH-AWD^[4] replaces the engine powered mechanical drive shaft and clutch packs by two, 27 horsepower electric motors, one on each wheel, not driven by the gasoline engine. The first two announced applications of the Sport Hybrid SH-AWD are to be on the rear wheels of the 2014 Acura RLX,^[5] and on the front wheels of the second generation Acura NSX.^[6]