BorgWarner are supplying the GenV electro-hydraulically actuated all-wheel drive (AWD) coupling for the all-new XC90 luxury SUV from Volvo Cars. The XC90 is based on Volvo's new scalable product architecture (SPA). In a company press release Dr. Stefan Demmerle, President and General Manager of BorgWarner PowerDrive Systems, reports that BorgWarner adapted the integrated electronic control unit, including the vehicle dynamics software, to match Volvo’s unique driving characteristics and driving experience. The electronically controlled wet multi-plate clutch automatically varies torque distribution between the front and rear axle. The coupling functions independently of differential speed between the front and the rear axle, providing full locking torque availability at any given time and speed, depending on the road conditions and vehicle load distribution.
The compact, lightweight design of the AWD coupling facilitates easier integration into the powertrain compared with previous generations while providing improved traction, handling and stability as well as high torque capacity and rapid response time.
