A current Ford patent submitting hints that the automaker is contemplating a line lock for all-wheel drive automobiles.

Ford started providing a line lock on the Mustang for the 2015 mannequin 12 months. In rear-wheel drive automobiles, it locks the entrance brakes, permitting the rear wheels to spin freely whereas the automobile stays stationary. In drag racing, that is useful for doing burnouts to heat up the tires earlier than staging on the beginning line, nevertheless it additionally offers a simple option to smoke the tires on any event.

2015 Ford Mustang digital line lock

As a result of it depends on locking one set of brakes, thus stopping the wheels on one axle from spinning, a line lock appears troublesome to implement with all-wheel drive. However Ford’s patent utility, which was revealed by america Patent and Trademark Workplace (USPTO) on Sep. 26, 2023 (and initially filed on Nov. 23, 2020), suggests a manner.

As a substitute of making an attempt to spin all of the wheels directly, Ford discusses utilizing a controller to brake some wheels whereas others spin, alternating till every tire has been warmed up. This could possibly be finished by braking each wheels on one axle, or by braking particular person wheels. So burnouts could possibly be finished with one axle after which the opposite, or by spinning the left or proper wheel on a given axle whereas the other one is braked.

Ford all-wheel drive line lock patent picture

In automobiles with mechanical all-wheel drive programs, the wheels on a given axle is also disconnected from the drivetrain if they are not being spun, Ford suggests. The patent utility mentions automobiles with “an influence plant, similar to an engine” in addition to automobiles powered by “an electrical machine.” Within the latter case, electrical energy would merely be routed to the wheels being spun and never those being braked.

Patented concepts do not routinely go into manufacturing, however an all-wheel drive line lock could possibly be a superb match for efficiency EVs. Ford already has the Mustang Mach-E GT in its lineup, with the Mach-E Rally on the way in which. Ford has additionally teased a high-performance F-150 Lightning idea, doubtlessly within the vein of the unique gas-powered F-150 Lightning.