BorgWarner to supply wet dual-clutch technology for three FAW transmission programs in China; first domestically built RWD DCT in China
25 April 2012
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| BorgWarner parallel dual clutch w/ integral torsional vibration damper. Click to enlarge. |
BorgWarner United Transmission Systems (BWUTS), a majority-held joint venture between BorgWarner and 12 leading Chinese automakers in Dalian, China, has been selected to supply DualTronic control modules and clutch modules with integral torsional vibration dampers for FAW’s new seven-speed wet dual-clutch transmission (DCT). The DCT is expected to debut in FAW’s flagship Hongqi (Red Flag) luxury sedan in late 2013, and will be the first domestically built rear-wheel drive DCT in China.
Two other programs are under development for production in 2014 and 2015. At full launch of all three transmission programs, total volumes are expected to reach more than 500,000 units per year. Featuring improved solenoids and new friction materials with the latest clutch pack design, BorgWarner’s DualTronic clutch and control modules deliver better fuel economy and torque transfer compared with previous wet and dry clutch systems.
With an automated dual clutch transmission (DCT), engine output can be coupled to either of two transmission input shafts. Each clutch functions as both a launch clutch and a dynamic shifting clutch, enabling clutch-to-clutch shifts without torque interruption. DCT clutch configurations can be concentric or parallel.
Interest in dual-clutch transmissions is particularly strong among vehicle manufacturers in major growth markets in Asia and Europe. BorgWarner expects the overall DCT market to grow from 2.6 million units in 2011 to 8.7 million units by 2017.
—Robin Kendrick, President and General Manager, BorgWarner Transmission Systems
BorgWarner estimates the market for DCTs in China will grow from 0.6 million units this year to 2.7 million units in 2017, showing compound annual growth (CAGR) of 35%.
BorgWarner’s engineers in Germany, China and the United States worked closely with FAW to apply BorgWarner’s dual-clutch technology to the specific needs of the Hongqi sedan. BorgWarner’s DualTronic clutch modules are key components of wet DCTs, which deliver the efficiency of a manual gearbox combined with the functionality of a fully automatic transmission.
BorgWarner’s latest advancements in wet clutch modules offer more thermal robustness, higher torque capability, wear-free friction plates and versatility in a wide range of automotive applications. Wet clutches offer a more stable coefficient of friction and temperature profile making them more durable and easier to calibrate than competing technologies, according to the company. The combination of new friction material with the newest clutch pack design and enhanced solenoids results in optimized fuel efficiency and performance.
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