News Article
Key new driveline components on the all-new Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
29th September, 2008, Tochigi, Japan
Mitsubishi Motor’s highly acclaimed all-new Lancer Evolution has key new driveline components from GKN Driveline Torque Technology.
The all-wheel-drive Lancer Evolution has an upgraded power transfer unit (PTU) – the car’s “ Active Centre Differential” - with industry-leading torque capacity. The high-end RS version fits an enhanced multi-plate limited slip differential (LSD) Active Yaw Control (AYC) at the rear to help the dynamic transfer of the 4WD car’s 422 Nm @ 3500 rpm (or, 366 Nm @ 3,500 rpm for EU specifications) of torque to the road. The new Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution is branded X in UK and Japan markets.
Graeme Walford, managing director, GKN Driveline Torque Technology said: “Mitsubishi Motors with this latest generation of their Lancer Evolution sought to significantly improve drive and handling dynamics with an advanced, leading edge driveline system. I am proud to say that our teams in Tochigi and Nagoya rose to Mitsubishi's challenge of delivering the increased power and torque to the four wheels within the same size unit package as for the previous model."
GKN Driveline’s high performance PTU can manage more than 800 Nm of torque, much more than on previous Lancer Evolution models. The unit is a compact and lightweight assembly that includes a built-in helical LSD for the front wheels and an electronically controlled, hydraulically actuated clutch pack that acts on the centre differential (fitted in the transmission).
"The new Lancer Evolution unit is arguably the highest performance PTU in the world and together with the two GKN Driveline LSD's demonstrates the unique product contribution that GKN Driveline offers customers seeking advanced vehicle dynamics in such competition-bred cars", Graeme Walford added.
GKN Driveline’s rear multi-plate LSD Active Yaw Control significantly enhances the dynamics of
the Lancer Evolution and at the same time improves traction and stability. GKN Driveline’s highly
durable LSD provides a superior response and higher mechanical efficiency.
Editor’s notes:
GKN Driveline is a global enterprise with 21,000 people working at 40 locations in 30 countries. The company recorded sales of €3 billion (£2 billion) in 2007.
GKN Driveline is the world leader in the design and production of driveline components. Producing systems and components for the smallest ultra low-cost vehicle to the most sophisticated four-wheel-drive model, GKN Driveline has the products to achieve the optimum driveline solution. With these products come technical expertise and an understanding of all aspects that affect vehicle dynamics and how these can be optimised for weight and performance improvement.
Every year, 72 million cars and light trucks are produced for the world's roads. For every car, in every country, the challenge is always the same: to transmit power from the engine to the wheels in the most efficient, economical and reliable way possible.
GKN Driveline designs, builds, and supplies the most extensive and widely-used range of driveline components in the automotive industry. It covers every application from smallest ultra low-cost vehicle to the most sophisticated four-wheel-drive.
As an engineering business with extensive automotive experience and a global resource network,
GKN Driveline delivers solutions quickly, economically and efficiently.
The company is a true partner to the world automotive industry. Multi-talented, multilingual
global account teams work closely with each and every customer to develop a clear understanding of
their requirements – and then deliver optimum solutions accurately engineered to all
specifications.
GKN Driveline Torque Technology is a leading global producer of all-wheel-drive PTUs (power
transfer units) and a world leader in the supply of torque management devices for coupling, axle
and transmission applications.
Company Contact:
Paul Dinwiddy
Global Communication Director
GKN Driveline
Tel: + 44 1527 533 646
Mob: + 44 7801 077 523
Email:
paul.dinwiddy@gkndriveline.com
Media Contacts:
Europe
Simon Pearson
Tel: +44 207 861 3158
Mob: +44 7836 744 192
Email:
simon@s-pearson.com
Americas
Larry Weis or Andi Wilmes
AutoCom Associates
Tel: +1 248 647 8621
Email:
lweis@usautocom.com or
awilmes@usautocom.com
Japan
Yoshinori Yamaguchi
Inoue Public Relations
Tel: +81 (0) 3 5269 2301
Email:
yamaguchi@inoue-pr.com
