Video: R.I.P clutches and drivetrains. My pants are soaked after watching these big horsepower AWD launches. Those squats, that compressed suspension, so satisfying!
Hard launches take their toll on all transmissions, but all-wheel drive cars fare the worst. This is because AWD cars often have more grip than power. For example, it’s possible to perform full-throttle launches in the current WRX STI with minimal wheel-spin. So unlike a RWD BRZ or M3, the tyres aren’t the weakest link. This leaves the transmission to bare the brunt of a hard launch. As a result, we don’t recommend full-throttle launches in manual AWD vehicles unless your bank account is healthy.