Jaguar Reveals New XKR and XFR with GKN Driveline's Electronic Torque Manager ETM

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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