In the realm of rally cars, few manufacturers boast a reputation as significant as Subaru. Based in Japan, this automaker has clinched six World Rally Championship (WRC) titles, comprising three Driver’s Championships and three Manufacturer’s Championships. Securing a WRC title requires not just talent but also advanced cars equipped with top-tier technology, and that’s precisely what Subaru has delivered.
Among the many racing innovations that have reached mainstream vehicles—like disc brakes, turbochargers, and semi-automatic gearboxes—one of the standout features is all-wheel drive. Although Audi pioneered this technology with their Quattro model, it was Subaru’s introduction of its own all-wheel drive system that truly transformed the landscape.
The Rise Of Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive Quick Facts
- Introduced in 1972 with the Subaru Leone Wagon
- Most Subarus produced since 1986 have incorporated Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
- The SAWD system, while technologically advanced, features fewer components than some competitors’ systems
Subaru began integrating its Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (SAWD) system across nearly all its vehicles in 1986, but its origins date back to 1972. This early iteration offered full-time all-wheel drive, consistently distributing power to all four wheels. The performance advantage of Subaru’s SAWD system over competitors, like the Jenson FF, became particularly evident in cornering situations.
In the 13 years following the launch of the Leone Wagon, Subaru utilized its SAWD system in a select number of models, including the Leone Wagon and the Subaru Bi-drive Recreational All-terrain Transporter, commonly referred to as the BRAT. The turning point came in 1986 with the Subaru XT, a small sports car that showcased the first full-time, push-button SAWD system.
The Legacy’s Mark Is Still Felt Today
The launch of the Subaru Legacy in 1989 solidified Subaru’s status as a major player in the global automotive industry. The Legacy featured more conventional styling compared to earlier models and served to elevate Subaru’s market image while also introducing the SAWD system to the four-door sedan segment. The response was overwhelmingly positive.
Today, the Legacy is credited with establishing Subaru’s dominance in the all-wheel drive market. The SAWD system was further refined on challenging rally stages throughout the late 1980s, 1990s, and early 2000s, leading up to Subaru’s later departure from the WRC. The current Subaru WRX carries on the SAWD tradition, albeit with a significantly evolved system compared to the original design more than five decades ago.
How SAWD Works, And What It Does Better
When the 1972 Subaru Leone Wagon encountered slippery conditions on a bend, the SAWD system was designed to distribute power to each wheel selectively, thanks to an innovative center differential. This feature ensured that the wheels with the best traction received the most power, allowing the vehicle to navigate through challenging corners effectively.
In contrast, conventional all-wheel drive systems of the past employed two differentials, supplying a constant amount of power to each wheel, which limited their capability to independently manage power delivery as Subaru’s system could. Today, the SAWD system remains a key feature, allowing vehicles like the Subaru Legacy to perform exceptionally well in adverse conditions. This full-time all-wheel drive system continuously distributes power to both the front and rear axles without shutting down to conserve fuel. Additionally, the design benefits from a low-mounted boxer engine, providing a lower center of gravity that enhances handling, while weight is evenly distributed across the vehicle’s platform.
Since the SAWD system demonstrated its advantages in the Subaru Legacy in 1989, Subaru’s innovative approach has led to greater public awareness and acceptance of all-wheel drive vehicles, especially for drivers in snowy or muddy conditions.
How SAWD Dominated Rally Racing
Subaru’s SAWD system played a crucial role in its triumphs in the World Rally Championship. The brand’s first victory occurred in 1994 with the Subaru Impreza WRC rally car. The following year, the Subaru 555 team secured both the manufacturer’s championship and the Driver’s Championship with Colin McRae behind the wheel.
The SAWD system proved invaluable in the rally racing environment, allowing Subaru cars to maneuver through corners with unparalleled speed by efficiently channeling power to the wheels with the most grip. Its straightforward design also made repairs easier compared to complex alternatives like Audi’s quattro system.
Through continuous development and optimization of the Impreza WRC car and the SAWD system, Subaru went on to win an impressive five additional WRC championships, the last of which came in 2003.
The SAWD System Is The Jack Of All Trades
All-wheel drive has become a common feature in the automotive world. Today, it’s possible to find all-wheel drive in a wide array of vehicles, from small hatchbacks like the Mazda3 to numerous sports cars, a market segment traditionally dominated by rear-wheel drive.
Subaru’s pioneering efforts have significantly contributed to the prevalence of all-wheel drive in modern vehicles. Their innovative mindset in developing the original 1972 SAWD system, coupled with a commitment to progress through motorsport and civilian applications, has paved the way for today’s drivers to confidently navigate snow-covered roads and sandy beaches.
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