Torque vectoring technology dramatically improves vehicle handling by selectively applying braking or power to individual wheels during cornering. This allows the car to turn more precisely and respond more quickly to driver inputs, providing benefits for both safety and driving enjoyment. ## How Torque Vectoring Works During cornering, wheels on the outside of the curve travel a longer path than wheels on the inside. Without torque vectoring, this difference must be accommodated purely through tyre slip. Torque vectoring addresses this by actively managing the power delivered to each wheel. When turning left, the system can apply slightly more braking to the inside rear wheel, which has the effect of pulling the front of the car into the corner more aggressively. This reduces understeer and makes the car feel more responsive. More sophisticated systems use multi-disc clutches in the differential to transfer torque from one wheel to another without braking. The system can send more torque to the outside wheel, which has more grip, improving traction and cornering power. Torque vectoring operates hundreds of times per second, faster than any driver could manually adjust their inputs. The system constantly optimises the power distribution for the current corner and road conditions. ## Brake-Based Torque Vectoring Brake-based torque vectoring uses the ABS hardware to selectively apply braking to individual wheels. When cornering, the system brakes the inside wheel slightly, creating a yawing moment that rotates the car into the corner. This approach is less expensive to implement because it uses existing ABS hardware. However, the braking force applied for torque vectoring creates some energy loss and tyre wear. The effect is also more limited than drivetrain-based systems. Most mid-range performance cars and many SUVs use brake-based torque vectoring for its combination of effectiveness and cost efficiency. The system provides meaningful handling benefits without the expense of sophisticated differential hardware. ## Drivetrain-Based Torque Vectoring Advanced torque vectoring uses electronically controlled differentials to route different amounts of torque to each wheel. This approach does not waste energy through braking and can apply positive drive rather than just brake reduction. Active rear differentials with torque vectoring can dramatically improve cornering agility. By sending extra torque to the outside rear wheel, the system creates a pulling effect that rotates the car into the corner. The car feels like it is pivoting around its centre. This technology is found on high-performance sports cars, some premium SUVs, and performance variants of family cars. The cost of the differential and control systems means it is typically reserved for higher-specification vehicles. ## Frequently Asked Questions **Does torque vectoring improve safety?** Yes. By reducing understeer and improving cornering response, torque vectoring helps the car go where the driver intends. This reduces the risk of losing control in corners and makes the car easier to drive at the limit. **Can I feel torque vectoring working?** In most situations, torque vectoring is completely transparent to the driver. Only in aggressive cornering do some systems produce perceptible effects such as slight deceleration or enhanced turning response. **Does torque vectoring affect tyre wear?** Brake-based torque vectoring can increase tyre wear on the inside wheels because they experience additional braking force. Drivetrain-based systems do not cause additional tyre wear.

Official Resources: GOV.UK Check Vehicle Tax | GOV.UK Vehicle Tax | DVLA Online | MOT Check

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much is car tax (VED) in the UK 2026?
Car tax rates in the UK depend on your vehicle's CO2 emissions and list price. Standard rates start from £190 per year for petrol and diesel cars, with zero-rated VED for EVs. First-year rates vary from £0 to £2,605 depending on emissions. Additional premiums apply for vehicles over £40,000.

Q: How do I check if my car is taxed online?
You can check your vehicle's tax status for free on the Gov.uk website at gov.uk/check-vehicle-tax. You'll need your vehicle's registration number (number plate). You can also check via the Motor Insurance Database to verify road tax and insurance status simultaneously.

Q: Can I get a refund on car tax if I sell my vehicle?
Yes — if you sell or scrap your vehicle, you can claim a refund on any full months of remaining road tax. Contact DVLA with the V11 reminder letter or apply online at gov.uk. Refunds are usually processed within 4-6 weeks.

Q: Is road tax refund available when transferring ownership?
No — road tax does not transfer with the vehicle. When you sell your car, the tax is automatically cancelled and any remaining months are refunded to you by DVLA. The new owner must tax the vehicle immediately. As a buyer, always verify the vehicle's tax status before purchasing. Related: UK Car Active Aerodynamics Guide 2026 | UK Car Adaptive Suspension Guide 2026 | UK Car AEB System Guide 2026 | UK Car Apple CarPlay Guide 2026.

Q: What is the luxury car tax threshold in the UK 2026?
The additional rate for vehicles over £40,000 (list price) adds £410 per year to standard VED rates for years 2-6 of registration. This surcharge brings the annual cost for high-emission vehicles over £40,000 to around £600-690 per year. Pure EVs under £40,000 pay zero VED.