Mar 05, 2009 08:00 ET
Jaguar Reveals New XKR and XFR with GKN Driveline's Electronic Torque Manager ETM
BIRMINGHAM, England --(Business Wire)-- Mar 05, 2009
At the 2009 Geneva International Motor Show this week, Jaguar revealed
its new 503 horsepower XKR and XFR models fitted for the first time with
the company’s new active differential control system (ADC). At the heart
of Jaguar's ADC system is GKN Driveline's ETM® electronic limited slip
differential (eLSD).
The ETM® is a rear axle differential with an integrated
active coupling that provides unsurpassed vehicle traction and stability
through high speed optimal torque allocation to the powered wheels. Its
integrated electronically controlled direct actuation makes it a highly
suited module for improving dynamic performance in sports cars such as
the new XKR and XFR.
Keys to the ETM®’s performance are a smooth and immediate
engagement (mechanically pre-emptive), high control accuracy and the
exceptional release response time, all of which are ensured by the ETM®’s
“smart” actuator.
An electronic control unit with GKN's proprietary IPM software
constantly monitors torque requirements and manages an electric motor
that directly rotates the cam gear of a unidirectional ball-ramp
mechanism. The rotational torque causes the balls to roll up the
opposing ramps, which pushes the front cam forward and activates the
clutch. Without intervention from the driver, the system continuously
adapts to both the driver’s demands and the amount of grip available at
each individual wheel.
The decision to introduce the GKN Driveline product represents two
firsts – Jaguar's first fitment of an eLSD for volume production cars
and the first time that GKN Driveline has supplied its ETM®
for a high performance car.
GKN Driveline also supplies the propshafts which transfer power from the
engine to the rear axle and sideshafts, which transfer power from the
rear axle differential to the wheels.
"Our ETM® technology has proved itself in premium SUVs
where it delivers greatly improved traction in both on and off-road
conditions,” said Graeme Walford, engineering and commercial director
for GKN Driveline. “The superior performance of this product in terms of
response time, control accuracy and low drag torque, is attracting
significant interest from manufacturers of high performance cars. I am
proud that in working with Jaguar, we have tailored our versatile ETM®
eLSD to be part of the overall high performance driving dynamics package
of the XKR and XFR."
About GKN Driveline
GKN Driveline is the world’s leading supplier of automotive driveline
components and systems. As a global company serving all the world’s
leading vehicle manufacturers, GKN Driveline’s market leadership is
based on strong enduring engineering capabilities that achieve optimum
driveline solutions.
Backed by 250 years of successful engineering, GKN develops, builds and
supplies the most extensive and widely used range of automotive
driveline components in the world - from the smallest ultra low-cost car
to the most sophisticated premium vehicle demanding the most complex
driving dynamics.
Consistently setting new technological benchmarks, GKN Driveline is a
leading global producer of sideshafts, propshafts, mechanically and
electronically controlled torque management systems and associated
geared components.
For more information, visit www.gkndriveline.com.
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Company Contact:
Paul Dinwiddy
Global
Communication Director
GKN Driveline
Phone: + 44.1527.533.646
Cell:
+ 44.7801.077.523
E-mail: paul.dinwiddy@gkndriveline.com
or
Media
Contact – Europe:
Simon Pearson
Phone: +
44.207.861.3158
Cell: + 44.7836.744.192
E-mail: simon@s-pearson.com
or
Media
Contact – Americas:
Larry Weis or Andrea Wilmes
AutoCom
Associates
Phone: + 1.248.647.8621
Cell: + 1.248.705.4448
E-mail:
lweis@usautocom.com or
awilmes@usautocom.com
or
Media
Contact – Japan:
Yoshinori Yamaguchi
Inoue Public
Relations
Phone: +81.(0)3.5269.2301
E-mail: yamaguchi@inoue-pr.com