News Article

Component synergy for Renault & Nissan with GKN Driveline's perfomance Helical LSD

September 2006
Mondial de lâ Automobile, Paris, 28 September, 2006 GKN Driveline Torque Technology is pleased to announce the supply of its unique Helical LSD to Renault for its new limited-edition Megane F1 Teamâ R26, unveiled at the Paris Motor Show today.

GKN Driveline's Helical LSD high performance Limited Slip Differential (LSD) developed in Japan, provides improved traction, handling and all-round dynamic performance for faster cars. The company has been supplying Japanese manufacturers since 1995. Fitment on the Renault Megane F1 Team–R26 marks the first application by a European manufacturer.

The Helical LSD is fitted inside the transmission of the 169 kW, front-wheel drive Megane F1 Team – R26 significantly enhancing the drive delivery and general dynamic performance of the car. The unit is a mechanical, torque-sensing LSD, comprised of a knurled helical gear set inside a durable differential housing. It operates on the basis of gear separation forces generating friction between internal components and a resulting torque bias which resists differentiation. Consistent performance, low backlash and compatibility with ABS and ESP systems are key features.

“We were first contacted about this requirement in March 2005, which is a pretty steep lead time for a project such as this” said Graeme Walford, Managing Director of GKN Driveline Torque Technology. “In the event, we were able to take an existing design and with few changes, produce the right package for Renault within the time-frame.”

The initial design study showed that due to Renault's choice of gearbox being similar to one already used by Nissan few modifications were necessary to adapt an existing Helical LSD unit for the Megane. Units were delivered to Renault in late 2005 for prototype testing which confirmed the benefits the Helical LSD can give performance front wheel drive cars such as the new Megane F1 Team-R26.

"GKN Driveline’s global position means that the specific product strengths of our Japanese operation can effectively be made available to European customers through our Torque Technology European Engineering Centre in Lohmar, Germany” said Graeme Walford.

A video animation of GKN Driveline's Helical LSD has been prepared and will be shown on Renault's stand (Hall 1, Aisle C, Stand 431) at the Mondial de l’Automobile.

Editor’s notes: GKN Driveline is a global enterprise with 21,000 people working at more than 40 locations in over 30 countries. The company recorded sales of €3 billion in 2005. Recognised as the auto industry’s leader in the design and production of driveline components, GKN Driveline provides driveline solutions for the smallest front-wheel-drive vehicles up to the most sophisticated four-wheel-drive models. The company has a commanding share of the global market for CVJ (constant velocity joint) sideshafts and also is a leading global producer of all-wheel-drive PTUs (power transfer units) and torque management devices.


Company contact:
Paul Dinwiddy
GKN Driveline Headquarters
p: +44 1527 533 646
m: + 44 7801 077 523
e: paul.dinwiddy@gkndriveline.com

Media contact:
Americas
Don Haberek or Larry Weis
AutoCom Associates
t: + 1 248 647 8621
e: dhaberek@usautocom.com or lweis@usautocom.com


Europe
Simon Pearson
T : + 44 207 861 3158
M : + 44 7836 744 192
E : simon@s-pearson.com


Japan
Yoshinori Yamaguchi
Inoue Public Relations
T: + 81 03 5269 2301
E: yamaguchi@inoue-pr.com