GKN Driveline Viscodrive Coupling on New Suzuki Wagon R
TOCHIGI, Japan--All-wheel-drive (AWD) versions of Suzuki's new Wagon R, recently launched in Japan, are being equipped with GKN Driveline's Viscodrive® coupling.
The Viscodrive coupling is a compact, lightweight unit that provides on-demand AWD capability and improved vehicle traction without the need for costly on-board electronics or driver intervention. The Viscodrive coupling also reduces driveline noise and vibration and is designed to be highly reliable and maintenance-free over the lifetime of the product.
Consisting of friction plates submerged in silicone fluid, when the drive (front) axle loses grip, the relative speed difference between the plates produces a sheer stress that transfers torque from one plate to the other and redistributes it to the rear axle.
“Viscodrive” couplings are an important foundation of GKN Driveline’s business,” said Graeme Walford, commercial and engineering director for GKN Driveline. “They continue to have a respected position in our broad portfolio of torque management products and are a popular choice for ‘kei-cars’ in Japan."
“Kei-cars” (from kei-jidosha - light automobile) are cars with a maximum engine capacity of 660cc and power of 47kW (64PS). In Japan, these vehicles provide drivers with tax and insurance benefits.
Suzuki has been the leading Kei-cars manufacturer in Japan since their introduction on the market in 1955. Currently, the Wagon R model has Japan’s highest annual sales in this segment.
About GKN Driveline
GKN Driveline is a global enterprise with 21,000 people working at 40 locations in 30 countries. The company recorded sales of $4 billion (860 billion Yen, £2 billion) in 2007.
GKN Driveline is the world leader in the design and production of driveline components. Producing systems and components for the smallest ultra low-cost vehicle to the most sophisticated four-wheel-drive model, GKN Driveline has the products to achieve the optimum driveline solution. With these products come technical expertise and an understanding of all aspects that affect vehicle dynamics and how these can be optimized for weight and performance improvement.
GKN Driveline designs, builds, and supplies the most extensive and widely-used range of driveline components in the automotive industry. It covers every application from smallest ultra low-cost vehicle to the most sophisticated four-wheel-drive.
As an engineering business with extensive automotive experience and a global resource network, GKN Driveline delivers solutions quickly, economically and efficiently.
The company is a true partner to the world automotive industry. Multi-talented, multilingual global account teams work closely with each and every customer to develop a clear understanding of their requirements – and then deliver optimum solutions accurately engineered to all specifications.
GKN Driveline is a leading global producer of all-wheel-drive PTUs (power transfer units) and a world leader in the supply of torque management devices for coupling, axle and transmission applications.
For more information, visit www.gkndriveline.com.