BorgWarner’s friction plate technology is expected to enhance the shift performance and efficiency of the ZF full hybrid 8-speed automatic transmission by providingsmooth shifting from electric motor to combustion engine.
The technology is used in the company's friction plates for the wet separating clutch and the launch clutch.
According to the company, the separating clutch will engage and disengage the electric motor for both separate and instantaneous operation of the electric motor and combustion engine.
The launch clutch will replace the traditional torque converter and will deliver similar comfort and thermal load capacity in addition to optimising fuel consumption.
BorgWarner has developed new groove designs and deploys enhanced friction materials to deliver stable friction coefficient and enhanced temperature resistance.
BorgWarner Transmission Systems president and general Manager Robin Kendrick said, "BorgWarner's advanced friction technology delivers improved mechanical stress resistance and exceptional reliability."
The parallel hybrid transmission launched in the 2012 Audi Q5 Hybrid Quattro and will also be featured in the Audi A6, A8 and BMW 5-series hybrids.
