Patent ID: 7086982

Claim:
A drive axle assembly for use in a motor vehicle having a powertrain and first and second wheels, comprising: an input shaft driven by the powertrain; a first axleshaft driving the first wheel; a second axleshaft driving the second wheel; a drive mechanism coupling said input shaft to said first and second axleshafts, said drive mechanism including a differential, a speed changing unit, and first and second mode clutches, said differential having an input component driven by said input shaft, a first output component driving said first axleshaft and a second output component driving said second axleshaft, said speed changing unit having a first shaft driven by said input component, a second shaft and a gearset for changing the rotary speed of said second shaft relative to said first shaft, said first mode clutch is operable for selectively coupling said first output component to said second shaft, and said second mode clutch is operable for selectively coupling said second output component to said second shaft; and a control system for controlling actuation of said first and second mode clutches.