GKN supplies innovative AWD system to Ford Focus RS

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Oct. 13, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- GKN Automotive, the global leader in driveline technologies, has developed a new version of its Twinster torque vectoring all-wheel drive (AWD) system for the Ford Focus RS. An innovative combination of new gearing ratios and control algorithms over-speed the rear wheels, helping Ford create a car with unprecedented dynamics, feel and handling.

GKN Driveline Senior Vice President of Program Management and Strategy Jim Voeffray said: "GKN's AWD technologies and torque vectoring expertise are helping auto manufacturers take their cars into new territories. AWD is becoming the driveline of choice for performance cars because it's the most effective way of putting power onto the road with precision, efficiency and intelligence."

GKN was awarded the Ford Focus RS programme just 18 months ahead of launch. In that time, GKN engineers designed and integrated both the Torque Vectoring Rear Drive Module (RDM), as well as the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) and CVJ sideshafts into the base front wheel drive platform.  This required major reconfiguring of the system componentry to fit the packaging space available. GKN's in-house software and calibration teams worked in collaboration with Ford and its vehicle dynamics engineers on new control algorithms for the torque vectoring system to give the driveline four different driving modes.

GKN Driveline Vice President of Global Product Technology Dr. Ray Kuczera said: "GKN is the only supplier with the expertise and capability to deliver this diverse hardware as well as the vehicle integration through software and performance calibrations. To deliver torque vectoring systems of this calibre requires engineers who understand vehicle dynamics and have the ability to partner with an automaker on vehicle level attributes. The result of this partnership with Ford demonstrates how driveline innovation can influence vehicle dynamics and raise handling performance to a new level."

How GKN's system works

The Ford Focus RS uses a GKN AWD system with a PTU and a RDM utilizing the Twinster twin clutch system. GKN's Twinster technology can apply torque to one or both wheels independently, enabling the vehicle's dynamic torque vectoring functions across its entire speed range.

The latest version of the Twinster in the Focus RS uses new gearing ratios that deliver more torque to the rear wheels than previous applications. When AWD is engaged, the Twinster drives the rear wheels faster than the front.

This overspeeding of the rear fundamentally changes the way the car feels and handles. In curves, the Twinster makes the rear end of the vehicle turn in more sharply, responding more immediately to the driver's inputs. In Ford's "drift mode," the AWD system delivers even more torque to the rear axle, delivering enough torque to the rears wheels for the RS to achieve a controlled "drift" through corners.

Some "torque vectoring" systems use the braking system to achieve simple vectoring effects but these can actually slow the vehicle down.  Fully dynamic torque vectoring requires an intelligent driveline that can apply increasing tractive force directly to individual wheels. This produces purer performance and feel, while also preventing excessive brake wear.

GKN Driveline's Senior Director of AWD Product Technology, Edward Kwon, concluded:  "AWD programs like the Ford Focus RS are rewriting the rules for drivelines – and GKN innovations help make them possible. Our dynamic torque vectoring expertise helps create halo models that set new benchmarks for performance.  By working with GKN on the standard AWD system and the torque vectoring version, automakers can realize the best possible result for their global platform." 

ABOUT GKN

GKN plc is a global engineering group. It has four divisions; GKN Aerospace, GKN Driveline, GKN Powder Metallurgy and GKN Land Systems, which operate in the aerospace, automotive and land systems markets. Over 50,000 people work in GKN companies and joint ventures in more than 30 countries. GKN is listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE: GKN) and recorded sales of GBP7.5 billion in the year to 31 December 2014.

ABOUT GKN AUTOMOTIVE

GKN Automotive is the world's leading driveline technology engineer, an expert in conventional, hybrid and electrified power delivery. Encompassing GKN Driveline and GKN Powder Metallurgy divisions, GKN Automotive is a true integration partner to the world motor industry, delivering brand aligned driving experiences from city to sports cars and advanced all-wheel drive to intelligent hybrids. With 46 manufacturing sites across 22 countries, GKN Driveline employs over 26,500 people globally. GKN Powder Metallurgy, the world's largest producer of precision powder metal components, boasts an experienced team of 6,500 people and supplies customers from over 30 locations across five continents.

SOURCE GKN Automotive