GKN Puts Electrified Renegade With FWD Torque Vectoring To The Test

GKN Automotive has begun testing its GTD19 battery electric vehicle, which features a world-first powertrain combo of a two-speed transmission and torque vectoring on the front axle.

Based on a Jeep Renegade, the GTD19 is equipped with an optimized two-speed ‘Seamless shift’ eTransmission and smart shifting strategy, which has the potential to extend range and provide more torque, better acceleration and a higher top speed.

Efficiency is also boosted by the prototype’s eAxle coaxial format, whereas its eTwinster torque vectoring system provides improved stability and dynamic performance.

“This new technology demonstrator showcases how we are evolving and improving integrated eDrive technologies to help OEMs further improve efficiency, safety and driving dynamics,” said Hannes Prenn, COO of GKN ePowertrain. “Within the last year, we have seen a 40% increase in the value of our eDrive order book, rising from £2 billion at the end of 2017 to confirmed business now worth £3 billion. Our dedicated focus on production and development of electrified drivelines will enable us to support the rapid acceleration in demand for BEVs equipped with all-wheel drive systems in the coming years.”

New yet familiar tech

The tech used in the GTD19 test vehicle is similar to the two-speed system used in last year’s GTD18 car, based on a Mercedes-AMG GLA 45. The latter demonstrated the benefits of an eTwinster rear axle e-motor, two-speed eTransmission and torque vectoring via twin clutches paired with a mechanical Twinster on the front axle.

The GTD19’s setup replaces the Renegade’s internal combustion engine with a 120 kW GKN electric motor that produces a peak torque figure of 3,500 Nm (2,581 lb-ft) and vectoring of up to 2,000 Nm (1,475 lb-ft) to the front wheel requires it most.

Compared to rear- or all-wheel drive configurations, front wheel drive vectoring is said to be more helpful due to the relative ease of breaking traction in a FWD car. So not only can the Twinster system keep the front wheels in check during acceleration, but it can also correct the understeer yaw movement during cornering at speed, by prioritizing torque delivery to the outer wheel.

Who is GKN?

As one the world’s leading suppliers of automotive driveline technology and components, GKN has been pushing its advanced eDrive tech on the market ever since 2002. It has already supplied complete eDrive systems to successful plug-in hybrid programs for OEMs, including BMW, Mitsubishi, Porsche and Volvo.