GKN Driveline Torque Technology in Japan has been awarded the prestigious Nissan Global Innovation A

GKN Driveline Torque Technology in Japan has been awarded the prestigious Nissan Global Innovation Award for their contribution to the independent transaxle Four Wheel Drive (4WD) featured ihttp://www.forum8.co.jp/english/index.htmln the company’s all-new supercar, the Nissan GT-R.

The Global Innovation Award recognises innovation in product and technology development and the wider issues of process and management improvements.

Having worked closely on the world’s first independent transaxle 4WD for the new Nissan GT-R, Nissan and GKN Driveline Torque Technology have shifted their driveline capabilities into a higher gear. A clear focus on vehicle dynamics paired with convincing integration of the driver has created harmonious vehicle characteristics, balancing “speed and efficiency”, “high-output with environmental consideration” and “high performance and safety”.

For the Nissan GT-R, GKN Driveline Torque Technology supplies three key elements of the driveline from its Tochigi plant in Japan.

The high performance, light weight aluminium final drive unit (FDU):

In order to enable vehicle weight to be evenly distributed throughout the car, the transmission, transfer case and FDU are all placed at the rear of the car. GKN Driveline’s FDU has therefore been integrated into the transaxle.

A powerful “1.5 way” Limited Slip Differential (LSD) that generates optimum traction and stability under all driving conditions (fitted inside the rear FDU).

The AWD coupling, GKN Driveline’s Electro-Magnetic Control Device (EMCD), is fitted in the vehicle’s transaxle and controls an optimum power flow to the front wheels. The new EMCD features a lightweight aluminium case, improved responsiveness and higher energy savings through the use of minimal electric current.

“Our GT-R products are truly advanced technology and demonstrate GKN Driveline’s engineering and production expertise at the highest level. Successful delivery of this project is a great credit to our team and represents another major step in the continuing success of our growing operations. We have worked very closely with Nissan on this project and we are very proud to have received this prestigious award”, says Graeme Walford, Managing Director, GKN Driveline Torque Technology.

GKN Driveline also supplies the front sideshafts for the Nissan GT-R.