GKN Driveline launch Torque Vectoring Technology

GKN Driveline announces the first production application of its Torque Vectoring technology. Torque Vectoring hardware units will be supplied to system leader ZF for the recently announced "Vector-Drive" rear axle, which is planned for application in future BMW vehicles.

Since 2002, GKN has engaged in extensive product development and vehicle engineering in the field of electronic torque vectoring. During this time GKN Driveline has developed highly sophisticated torque vectoring hardware solutions, vehicle control strategies and applied these to high performance RWD and AWD demonstrator vehicles.

“In an ever-competitive market, car manufacturers are under pressure to raise standards of driving dynamics, especially so at the premium end of the market” comments Graeme Walford, Managing Director of GKN Driveline Torque Technology. “Working with ZF and leveraging our respective technical expertise in focused technology areas has enabled us to create a product that raises the bar to new heights and is a real break-through product for premium vehicles."

GKN Driveline's Torque Vectoring hardware units are based on a modular, cost effective approach, designed to be easily adaptable to a range of vehicles. Two units per axle provide the requested vectoring torque by a superimposition planetary gear set electronically controlled at the ZF system level by an electric motor actuated clutch. GKN Driveline's actuator hardware basically consists of a wet clutch and a two-stage ball ramp mechanism to achieve the accuracy within the required response time. The gears of the planetary gear set are only active when needed to realise best fuel efficiency. The wet clutch is designed for high thermal capacity and very low drag torque. Various unique features including the design of the gears and the ball ramp have been introduced and patented by GKN Driveline.