THE DRIVE Arguably, it is more <strong>the</strong> European auto manufacturers that take a significant interest in winter driving. BMW, for example, introduced all-wheel drive on <strong>the</strong>ir 3 Series and 5 Series models as far back as <strong>the</strong> 1980s. This was less known at <strong>the</strong> time, as <strong>the</strong> company had more of a reputation for front-engine, rear-wheel drive sports sedans — and yet it was still a necessary marketing decision to help make <strong>the</strong>ir cars more appealing in a wider range of markets. Granted that system has been developed and improved a great deal since <strong>the</strong>n, eventually becoming <strong>the</strong> xDrive system you see on modern BMW SUVs. Audi was a little different with <strong>the</strong>ir approach. Their participation in rally, culminating <strong>the</strong> era of Group B, resulted in <strong>the</strong> original Audi Quattro; it was an incredible car, albeit running a primitive four-wheel drive system (Note Not all-wheel drive. The distinction between four-wheel drive and all-wheel drive is <strong>the</strong> latter can adjust how torque is distributed). This system was refined over <strong>the</strong> years, with <strong>the</strong> inclusion of electronic systems and torque biasing that made it <strong>the</strong> highly adaptive, effective all-wheel drive system you see today. But what is really surprising is Volvo. Despite hailing <strong>from</strong> a country that experiences snowfall on a regular basis, Volvo was not too fussed about adopting all-wheel drive systems. Their cars were initially rear-wheel drive through <strong>the</strong> 1970s, transitioning to front-wheel drive later on as front-wheel drive made for a safer chassis design and was easier to drive in slippery conditions. While <strong>the</strong>ir SUV models are now primarily equipped with all-wheel drive, <strong>the</strong>y were more a pre-requisite for markets where SUVs are taken off <strong>the</strong> beaten path. Perhaps Volvo’s approach was most indicative of Swedish mentality and mindset — <strong>the</strong>y did not need all-wheel drive to get through difficult conditions, even though it would be a great help. Their focus was on driver development itself, and <strong>the</strong> average Swede can handle a bit of snow regardless of what car <strong>the</strong>y’re driving. But <strong>the</strong> question remains: If you don’t happen to be born in a country with icy roads or have years of experience, how do you get up to speed? "The first step to learning how to drive on ice and snow is overcoming <strong>the</strong> fear of a loss of grip because even with studded winter tyres <strong>the</strong>re will be moments when <strong>the</strong> car is going to break traction." The answer lies in driver training programmes. BMW is <strong>the</strong> most prominent of <strong>the</strong> lot, with driver training courses that cover multiple aspects of driving. The more traditional courses focus on accident avoidance and reactions, eventually pushing participants up to track driving and high speed car control if <strong>the</strong>y choose to stick with <strong>the</strong> programme. But <strong>the</strong>re are particular subsets, such as <strong>the</strong>ir Ice Driving programme and off-road courses that train participants in <strong>the</strong> various skills necessary to navigate treacherous terrain. Porsche also offers an ice driving experience, although it is far less regimented or restrictive in nature. Unlike BMW’s courses which are structured and require participants to progress through each level, Porsche opens it up to anyone willing to put money down and pay for a flight ticket out. Arguably, <strong>the</strong> skills that Porsche offers are also a little less relevant in <strong>the</strong> real world, but it is more an experience than a training course after all. One would expect Audi to focus on driver training as well — especially since <strong>the</strong>y proudly display <strong>the</strong>ir Quattro models at multiple airports around Europe during <strong>the</strong> winter months — but again <strong>the</strong>y provide more of an experience than an actual learning course. Participants have a chance to throw a fleet of Audi Quattro models around manufactured tracks on frozen lakes, although <strong>the</strong> instruction is a little less closely monitored. But what all of <strong>the</strong>se programmes achieve, at <strong>the</strong> very least, is <strong>the</strong> ability to get drivers accustomed to <strong>the</strong> feeling of low grip conditions. The first step to learning how to drive on ice and snow is overcoming <strong>the</strong> fear of a loss of grip, because <strong>the</strong> reality is that even with studded winter tyres <strong>the</strong>re are going to be moments when <strong>the</strong> car is going to break traction. Uneven road surfaces and transitions between snow (slightly slippery) to ice (extremely slippery) can mean <strong>the</strong> car will unsettle itself as you drive along even at a leisurely pace, and so it is important not to panic. The next step is to understand how throttle and steering inputs affect <strong>the</strong> behaviour of <strong>the</strong> car. Most drivers will already understand that driving on slippery surfaces means slowing down, but it is also how <strong>the</strong>y accelerate and steer that affects how a car manoeuvres through bends and corners. A little too much steering might throw <strong>the</strong> car into a spin, while too much throttle may cause <strong>the</strong> car to lose front end grip and drive it into a snow back — or worse, a tree. TM | JANUARY/FEBRUARY <strong>2018</strong> 118
THE DRIVE <strong>the</strong> BMW Driving Experience intensifies with a close partnership with training venues in Ötztal and Pitztal 119 JANUARY/FEBRUARY <strong>2018</strong> | TM
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