BorgWarner offers new Dual-Clutch transmission design for small cars
BorgWarner new Dual-Clutch Transmission
After to be the first supplier to market a dual-clutch transmission technology in 2003 with VW group, BorgWarner has announced will launch a new model for developing markets and small cars is in the final development stages at BorgWarner. Working in conjunction with several Asian automakers, BorgWarner will be providing patent-pending dual-clutch transmission architecture that delivers fuel efficiency in an affordable package ideal for the growing small car demand in developing markets.
“Drivers in developing markets like China and India are looking for the ease of using an automatic transmission in an affordable vehicle,” said Dr. Bernd Matthes, President and General Manager, BorgWarner Transmission Systems. “Up until now, the complexity and cost of automatic transmissions made it impractical to package this option in smaller cars. With BorgWarner's new design, we can deliver the responsive, fuel-efficient, fun-to drive characteristics of a dual-clutch transmission in a smaller, more affordable package. The unique architecture of our compact dual-clutch transmission is expected to expand the use of automatic transmissions in emerging markets. Test results with this transmission indicate a 13% fuel efficiency improvement, better top-end speed and a significant improvement in acceleration over automatic transmissions currently in production.”
Working with these partners, BorgWarner is currently testing and refining its first phase transmission hardware and controls software. BorgWarner expects production implementation of its new compact dual-clutch transmission design within two to three years.
The patent-pending 'power split' design of the new transmission uses a large number of common and simplified parts and modules which enhance the affordability of the transmission, the ease of packaging in small vehicles and the manufacturability of the transmission in emerging markets. The small vehicle segment is expected to grow 30% over the next five years from about 19 million to almost 25 million cars.
BorgWarner supply dual-clutch transmission for VW, Audi, Bugatti, SAIC, Nissan and Getrag (dual-clutch transmission programs).
See the document Double clutch transmissions.
Yvonnick Gazeau
