Topology optimization is rapidly gaining popularity in the world of engineering, particularly in 3D printing, and is known for its distinct, almost organic-looking shapes. Now, one car company is taking advantage of this technology to push the boundaries of what is possible.
American maker Czinger Vehicles announced this week that, with the help of Xtrac, it will be the first automaker on earth to include a 3D printed, topology-optimized transmission into its vehicle.
The 21C, unveiled in 2021, boasts the most power-dense powertrain on the planet, according to Czinger. It is composed of a 2.9-liter, twin-turbocharged, flat-plane crank V8 that can rev up to 11,000 rpm, as well as a pair of electric motors that turn the front wheels. Overall, this configuration provides an impressive 1,233 horsepower (1,250 PS / 919 kW).
Read: Czinger 21C Destroys Circuit Of The Americas Production Lap Record By 6 Seconds
That’s a lot of power for a transmission to deal with and, in an effort to keep weight low, the automaker has turned to topology optimization. This new 3D printed aluminum transmission allows for the highest torque transmitted per mass of gear case on any street-legal vehicle in the world, the automaker claims.
To create the automated, seven-speed, semi-sequential gearbox, it turned to Xtrac, which has been making motorsport transmissions and differentials since 1984.
“What our Xtrac engineers have accomplished in tandem with Czinger and Divergent is groundbreaking,” said Adrian Moore, Xtrac’s CEO. “It has been extremely interesting and very stimulating for our engineers working closely together to bring this cutting edge innovation to life.”
The transmission boasts sub-100 millisecond shifts for optimal performance. That speed is also useful for comfort, though, as, in combination with the twin-barrel gear actuation, it allows the power to transfer seamlessly from the electric front wheels to the combustion engine-powered rear wheels.
“We are proud to team Czinger’s world-class engineers with those at Xtrac; together, we have developed an incredible, industry first, gearbox that is truly at the pinnacle of performance,” said Lukas Czinger, the automaker’s co-founder. “We can’t wait to shatter more track records as we utilize this system in the 21C”
