Bright Ideas: Electronic Differential

GKN’s Electronic Torque Manager (ETM) provides electronic control of driving torque between the wheels of one axle or between the axles. ETM uses an electric motor to engage a wet clutch pack via a ball ramp mechanism.

The ball ramp converts the driving torque of the electric motor into a high axial force, which presses the wet clutch together.

The electric motor provides superior system response when engaging or disengaging the clutch, making the ETM fully compatible with modern vehicle dynamic control systems that are based on brake intervention allowing driveline torque control for maximum dynamic performance and stability.

The ETM can be located in conjunction with the axle differential to provide side to side torque transfer in front and rear axles. ETM can also work in conjunction with the center transfer case or as a separate module for front to rear axle control.
 
The speed and accuracy of ETM makes it perfect for applications on passenger cars where the focus is on vehicle dynamics.


ETM is offered as a stand-alone option on the 2004 Volkswagen Touareg and can be part of an offroad package on the Porsche Cayenne.