News Article
GKN Driveline’s innovative AWD coupling debuts on new Infiniti FX series
2nd October, 2008, Paris, France
At the heart of the new Infiniti FX's Intelligent All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system is a new generation AWD coupling from GKN Driveline Torque Technology.
GKN Driveline’s ElectroMagnetic Control Device (EMCD) controls the power flow in the driveline to provide optimum AWD performance when needed and Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) performance when it is not. At the extremes, up to 50% of the vehicle's power can be sent from the rear wheels to the front wheels if necessary to optimise traction. Most often GKN Driveline's EMCD will be working to provide optimum apportionment of power between rear and front wheels in a wide range of driving manoeuvres: for instance, when accelerating from a stop, enhancing control in corners, adapting to poor, varied or unpaved road conditions
GKN Driveline’s coupling technology has been fitted to previous generations of the Infiniti FX range and has long provided enhanced performance and durability. For the new 2008 Infiniti FX series, a stylish performance crossover, GKN Driveline took on the challenge to redesign the EMCD to reduce size, weight, and drag torque. The result was an all-new coupling structure, more easily integrated into the Infiniti FX's transfer case and, with the considerable advantages of being 30% lighter and having approximately 80% less drag torque, the new design contributes to the overall fuel economy of the vehicle. GKN Driveline also supplies the rear sideshafts for the new Infiniti FX50.
Speaking about the new EMCD, Graeme Walford, managing director of GKN Driveline Torque Technology said: "Nissan and its Infiniti brand vehicles have long been important customers for our AWD coupling products. This new application has been a challenging development and I am delighted that the new EMCD has made a successful debut on the latest FX models."
Offering customers a ready solution to enhancing driveline performance and driving dynamics, GKN
Driveline's EMCD product technology is also increasingly being sought for AWD vehicles derived from
FWD platforms: Graeme Walford adds: "Since re-engineering our EMCD products, we have made a
successful launch on the Nissan Murano, and are now working on new applications with four new
customers in Europe, the USA and Asia. Our development focus is on making EMCD lighter and more
efficient to support fuel economy improvements for AWD vehicles and on increasing ourinteraction
with customers in the important areas of vehicle dynamics, electronics and system integration
activities."
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
