A latest 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 yr. In rear-wheel drive automobiles, it locks the entrance brakes, permitting the rear wheels to spin freely whereas the automotive stays stationary. In drag racing, that is useful for doing burnouts to heat up the tires earlier than staging on the beginning line, however it additionally offers a straightforward strategy to smoke the tires on any event.

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 tough to implement with all-wheel drive. However Ford’s patent utility, which was printed by america Patent and Trademark Workplace (USPTO) on Sep. 26, 2023 (and initially filed on Nov. 23, 2020), suggests a method.

As a substitute of attempting 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 may very well be achieved by braking each wheels on one axle, or by braking particular person wheels. So burnouts may very well be achieved 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.

In automobiles with mechanical all-wheel drive programs, the wheels on a given axle may be disconnected from the drivetrain if they don’t seem to be being spun, Ford suggests. The patent utility mentions automobiles with “an influence plant, reminiscent of 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 robotically go into manufacturing, however an all-wheel drive line lock may very well be an excellent match for efficiency EVs. Ford already has the Mustang Mach-E GT in its lineup, with the Mach-E Rally on the best way. Ford has additionally teased a high-performance F-150 Lightning idea, probably within the vein of the unique gas-powered F-150 Lightning.