BorgWarner has agreed to supply two versions of its advanced electro-hydraulically actuated all-wheel drive (AWD) coupling for the new Volkswagen Crafter. One coupling features a differential lock control at the rear axle, and one coupling does not.
By accurately distributing torque between the front and rear axle, the supplier’s compact AWD solution promises high-torque accuracy for improved fuel economy as well as enhanced stability, traction and handling on a variety of terrains.
“At BorgWarner, we offer customers advanced solutions that are easily integrated into their specific applications,” said Dr Stefan Demmerle, general manager at BorgWarner PowerDrive Systems.
“We are very pleased to expand our long-standing cooperation with Volkswagen by providing our leading AWD coupling for the Volkswagen Crafter for the first time.”
To meet the challenges posed by Volkswagen and the Crafter’s rigid rear axle, BorgWarner has added an optional differential lock control with a new electronic control unit (ECU) to its AWD coupling.
The ECU features an adaptable vehicle dynamics software to facilitate the desired driving characteristics, and controls the optional differential lock to allow smooth starts by improving traction on split-friction road surfaces which in turn reduces tire wear.
The coupling’s electronically controlled wet multi-plate clutch allows the torque distribution to be varied between the two axles automatically, providing the rear axle with the required amount of torque for the driving conditions.