GKN Driveline's sector leadership confirmed at Geneva

A wide range of new cars, facelifts and concept cars at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show sporting driveline technology from GKN Driveline is an indictment of the automobile sector’s determination to meet challenges in exploring new driveline technology. for delivering more power and torque while reducing weight, mass and drag. 

“Geneva 2012 is an emphatic display of our global position,” said GKN Driveline global engineering director Rob Rickell.

Here are some examples of GKN Driveline technology that feature in various cars at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show.

Electronic Torque Vectoring (ETV) on the new BMW X6 M50d. ETV is an active torque management system that is designed to overcome a vehicle’s tendency to understeer around corners at high speed. The system realises yaw rate and distributes drive torque individually to both wheels on an axle to improve agility, handling and stabilise the vehicle under power. 

Electro-Magnetic Control Device (EMCD) is a key component in the driveline of the high performance MINI JCW Countryman ALL4. The EMCD is an actively controlled coupling in all-wheel drive mode and in on-demand four-wheel drive mode. The system controls power flow 2/4 wheel drive vehicles to provide optimum traction when needed. Under extreme conditions up to 50 percent of the primary driven axle’s power can be sent to the secondary driven axle if necessary. Most of the time, the EMCD system will be working to provide optimum power between the front and rear wheels under a wide range of driving conditions such as accelerating from a stop, enhancing control around corners, adapting to poor and varied road surfaces, and on slippery road conditions.

GKN Driveline has become a global leader in the specialised area of Power Transfer Units (PTUs). The new Ford Kuga and MINI JCW Countryman ALL4 that were revealed ) at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show feature GKN Driveline’s Power Transfer Units help optimise traction by transferring the drivetrain torque to the vehicle’s rear wheels to improve traction. 

Electronic Torque Manager (ETM) fitted to the new BMW M6 Coupe will feature an integrated active differential in the rear axle of all M-Series cars from BMW. ETM enhances vehicle traction and stability by electronically controlled direct actuation of the integrated active differential to improve the dynamic performance of performance cars on different road surfaces. 

Drive Torque Flow (DTF) is fitted to Audi’s third generation A6 Allroad Quattro and the Audi RS4 Avant. DTF is a means of connecting the car’s transmission with the rear differential in a way that saves weight, assembly time, space and cost on the longitudinal shaft. By incorporating GKN’s Drive Torque Flow system manufacturer’s can do away with  bolts, washers, flanges and one stub shaft and be assured of conveying the power and torque of the gearbox output to the rear differential in a way that greatly reduces the risk of NVH and shaft imbalance.

Electric all-wheel drive – eAxle is fitted to a wide range of hybrid cars at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show. GKN Driveline’s eAxle with motor and sideshafts is a break-through technology that  provides a simple, flexible and cost-effective solution. The eAxle reduces emissions and improves fuel economy by 30 percent for hybrid vehicles and allows all-wheel drive capability with no mechanical link between the internal combustion engine and the rear axle on hybrid vehicles.

GKN Driveline global engineering director, Rob Rickell added, “With legislation and consumer preferences demanding significant advances toward greener mobility, the pressure is on all – vehicle manufacturers and suppliers – to deliver more efficient components with reduced mass and weight.  We think that at Geneva this year, GKN Driveline has demonstrated its sector-leading capability as expressed through a spectacular new car launch schedule in which our technology is playing an increasingly important role.”