BorgWarner provides innovative friction technology for Volkswagen's new hybrid dual-clutch transmission
BorgWarner supplies its high-performance wet friction technology for Volkswagen’s new hybrid DQ 400e dual-clutch transmission, launching in the 2014 Volkswagen Golf and Audi A3 e-tron. The new transmission for hybrid vehicles with transversely mounted engines employs three clutches (a dual-clutch module plus a disconnecting clutch) to smoothly connect and disconnect the electric engine from the drivetrain. For all three clutches, BorgWarner’s leading wet friction technology significantly improves shift performance and noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) while improving fuel economy.
“Today’s global transmission designs require reduced package size, improved shift quality and increased durability,” said Robin Kendrick, President and General Manager, BorgWarner Transmission Systems. “Our advanced friction materials provide improved heat resistance, high torque capacity and reliable operation over the transmission’s lifetime. BorgWarner’s advanced friction technology is designed for a variety of applications, including wet starting clutches, torque converter lock-up clutches, torque transfer clutches and hybrid disconnecting clutches.”
For the hybrid disconnecting clutch in the DQ 400e transmission, BorgWarner’s friction plates enable smooth, quick shifts between the electric engine and the drivetrain. Even when modern low-viscosity oil is used, the friction material resists oil degradation and glazing. The friction plate’s unique groove design helps fulfill the highest requirements in terms of stable friction coefficients and high temperature resistance.
As a result of their surface characteristics, the friction linings rapidly absorb the oil and release it again during shifting processes involving high pressures. Specially designed grooves on the friction material which are integrated into the friction lining for oil flow and cooling provide very low losses at the clutch in the open state, enable high transmission efficiency and smooth shifting capability while increasing fuel economy.
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