Xtrac Unveils New A1GP Gearbox At Professional Motorsport World Expo

THATCHAM – November 12, 2008: Transmission specialist also introduces its first complete rack and pinion steering assembly – a high specification system now available for the first time to other race formulae

UK transmission specialist Xtrac, which is participating this week in the Professional MotorSport World Expo being held in Cologne, is presenting for the very first time to the motorsport industry its new transmission system developed for the A1 Grand Prix ‘World Cup of Motorsport’ race series. Xtrac is also unveiling at this annual industry event its first complete steering rack assembly as well as the latest gearboxes and differentials for rally, touring and sports cars competing in high level formula events. The three-day exposition runs from 11-13 November 2008 at the Koelnmesse exhibition centre.

The new A1GP gearbox, designed and manufactured by Xtrac at its technical centre at Thatcham in Berkshire, was required for the 2008 series, which has only just commenced racing this September. It follows a six year agreement between the A1GP organisers and Ferrari to consult on the design and manufacture of a new race car, which is powered by a Ferrari V8 engine. The longitudinal gearbox with its magnesium casing was designed from a clean sheet of paper to suit the new chassis. The transmission is mated to a Magneti Marelli paddle shift gear selection system. Xtrac has been involved with the A1GP series since it began in 2005.

Xtrac introduces its first complete rack and pinion steering assembly
With years of experience supplying high precision racks and pinions for F1 teams to construct their own steering assemblies, Xtrac has seen a unique opportunity to design its first ever complete system, built to a similar high specification, which it can then supply to other race formulae.

The Xtrac design comprises a rack and pinion steering assembly, featuring fully ground gears, a titanium or steel rack extension and high specification bushes. It weighs less than 1.8kg complete. The steering rack is assembled under strict quality control procedures. This has required Xtrac to invest in a special test rig to validate each assembly and ensure each one is built to the same consistent high standard.

The initial application for Xtrac’s high specification steering assembly will be LMP1 and LMP2 cars, which typically use an in-column electrical power assistance system, which the Xtrac system is designed to interface with. The steering rack and pinion assembly design is modular so can be made bigger or smaller for other vehicle installations. The rack and pinion is contained in a one-piece lightweight magnesium housing, allowing various length arms to be fitted, further easing its application into a variety of race cars.

Particular attention has been paid to the ease of backlash adjustment during build to ensure the assembly provides the optimum feel for the driver with the least set-up time. A mount and drive system is included to permit the fitment of a potentiometer to monitor steering angle.

The new steering rack assembly further benefits from Xtrac’s continued investment in the latest manufacturing processes, which allow the company to compete globally and meet the exacting standards of the motorsport industry.

Xtrac line-up includes transmissions for rally cars, endurance sportscar racing and touring cars
Xtrac is also displaying a complete 4WD gearbox and driveline designed to meet the latest FIA Super 2000 regulations introduced in 2007. Xtrac is an approved supplier for many high performance series and its ‘532’ six-speed sequential transmission and rear differential for four-wheel drive rally cars, which typically have power outputs of 280bhp and deliver 250Nm of torque, reflect FIA requirements for a reliable and durable transmission at low cost, which can offer excellent value for money.

The main benefits of this transmission system to the rally teams include easily removable gear clusters for ratio changes and differentials with external adjustment for the front, centre and rear. The main benefit for the rally driver is a light and positive sequential gearbox and high performance differentials, which fulfil the FIA mandated minimum weight of 90kg for the whole transmission. A range of homologated gear ratios is available, with the critical gearbox components being able to fulfil the mandated FIA life.

Whilst Xtrac supplies works sportscar teams with gearboxes designed to an ultimate specification, it can also offer a customer version of its ‘529’ gearbox, which has arguably become the gearbox of choice for an LMP1 or LMP2 series car. This gearbox has been used extensively at Le Mans, LMS and ALMS races. Designed in such a way that various size clusters can be used, this gearbox is now well suited for use in GT1 and GT2 cars where it has already been used to good effect.

Xtrac will also display its award-winning ‘516’ transmission, for which the company last year received the “Most Innovative New Motorsport Product of the Year Award”. The award was presented for its pioneering work in developing a reliable, lightweight and cost-effective high performance gearbox for race teams competing in the World Touring Car Championship. The new gearbox applies Xtrac’s longstanding expertise and adopts design principles to minimise its mass, size and inertia. Particular attention in the design was paid to improve gear-change response and feel, and differential performance.

In addition to its rear differential for four-wheel drive rally cars, Xtrac is also displaying its well proven ‘522’ unit, which is popular with cross country rally raid vehicles participating in Rally raid events. These units provide just two examples from the wide range of differentials Xtrac can offer professional rally and race car teams.