Xtrac advanced transmission technology at Autosport International

An innovative continuously variable transmission for a mechanical flywheel-based (KERS) Kinetic Energy Recovery System will form the centrepiece of the Xtrac stand this year at the Autosport International Show. The engineering show runs from 10-11 January at the NEC, where the company will be exhibiting in Hall 19 on stand number E1038.

Xtrac’s CVT variator results from the initiative taken by the FIA to permit energy recovery systems for the 2009 F1 racing season. By placing very little constraint on the technical development of such systems, the FIA has created the opportunity for motorsport to make a real difference to future car technology.

Given the potential of applying this energy efficient technology to all manner of road vehicles, Xtrac’s CVT variator would support the current motor industry trend for smaller powertrains; a lightweight kinetic energy recovery system providing a means of boosting acceleration and overall performance, which could allow engine downsizing, as well as improving fuel economy and reducing CO2 emissions.

Development director Cliff Hawkins commented: “Our CVT solution for a KERS system demonstrates yet again the technological capabilities of the motorsport industry and its ability to deliver energy-efficient solutions to the mainstream automotive sector.”

In addition to its work on ancillary devices for energy recovery and hybrid vehicle drivelines generally, Xtrac’s experience of designing high-performance motorsport transmissions has also led to the development of its new ‘532’ Super 2000 gearbox and rear differential, which are also being presented for the first time at the show.

Xtrac has introduced this all-new six-speed sequential transmission and rear differential for four wheel drive rally cars to comply with the recent changes by the FIA to the Super 2000 technical and commercial regulations, which now allow homologated transmissions from more than one supplier.

“To meet FIA requirements we have put a lot of effort into achieving the lowest possible costs,” says Adrian Moore technical director at Xtrac. “We have also ensured that technically we have a reliable and lightweight transmission solution built to our industry-leading quality standards. There has been a very high level of engineering effort put into this project, which also has other uses outside of Super 2000 rally.”

Other significant transmission developments from Xtrac include its ‘529’ series gearbox for sportscar racing, which is suitable for LMP1 and LMP2 as well as GT1 and GT2 class vehicles; its award-winning ‘516’ front wheel drive gearbox introduced last year for the World Touring Car Championship; its ‘511’ series gearbox for NASCAR; and the heavy duty ‘522’ differential developed for Rally Raid.

Xtrac will also display its highly refined 6-speed synchromesh gearbox developed for high performance supercars. Intended for road use, such vehicles demand high levels of refinement and shift quality, which can be difficult to achieve with a bespoke design that may lack adequate engineering development because of ultra low volume budgetary constraints. Xtrac’s solution is a ‘one size fits all’ transverse transaxle system, which can be specified for virtually any supercar, and is the result of a major engineering development programme.

Other products on display at the show underscore the breadth and depth of Xtrac’s experience in designing axles, differentials, gearboxes, steering rack-and-pinion components and systems, as well as other driveline components not only for the motorsport industry but increasingly for high performance applications in the aerospace, automotive, defence and marine sectors.