Schaeffler Group Automotive is presenting a series of innovations for engine, transmission and chassis at this year’s Tokyo Motor Show. Alongside the technologies it presented at the IAA International Motor Show in Frankfurt, such as the world’s first fully-variable hydraulic valve control system UniAir/MultiAir, the direct shift transmission with dry double clutch and the wheel bearing with face splines, Subaru’s new CVT Lineartronic will be the highlight of the Schaeffler Group booth.
"In contrast to Europe and the US markets, where the former is dominated by the classic manual transmission and the popularity of double clutch transmissions is increasing and where the latter is dominated by conventional torque converters, the automatic CVT has gained wide acceptance on the Japanese market", explains Norbert Indlekofer, member of the Executive Management Board of Schaeffler Group Automotive responsible for transmission and chassis systems. CVT stands for continuously variable transmission and 45% of vehicles on the Japanese market are equipped with this system.
LuK is a renowned specialist for clutches and developed the dual mass flywheel around 25 years ago. Other technologies developed and produced by LuK include important components for conventional automatic transmissions with torque converters, automated manual and double clutch transmissions as well as CVT.
As is the case in Audi’s Multitronic, Subaru’s Lineartronic also uses a LuK steel multi-link chain to transmit forces instead of a multi-segmented belt. The chain runs in an oil bath and connects two hydraulically-controlled pulley sets that define the ratio. Subaru drivers can choose between the comfort of the continuously variable shift system or the pre-programmed gear stages in manual mode by means of paddle shifters on the steering wheel.
Another interesting component being presented in the tradeshow booth is the centrifugal pendulum-type absorber developed by Schaeffler Group Automotive. It is integrated into the drive train and facilitates comfortable vehicle operation, even at low speeds. This means that the dual mass flywheel with centrifugal pendulum-type absorber developed by LuK also makes a contribution to reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. This new technology is being used for the first time in the redeveloped BMW 320d and will soon become state of the art in several other vehicles.
An appearance at the Tokyo Motor Show is a permanent feature in Schaeffler Group Automotive’s calendar. “The Japanese market is the third largest market worldwide and the Japanese automotive industry plays a major role in setting new global trends in technology and has been doing so for several decades”, explains Dr. Peter Pleus, member of the Executive Management Board at Schaeffler Group Automotive responsible for engine systems.
The Tokyo Motor Show begins with press days on October 21 and 22 and its doors will remain open until November 4, 2009. Schaeffler Group Automotive will be presenting its innovations at Booth W 601 in the West Hall of the Makuhari Messe in Chiba City.
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