BorgWarner United Transmission Systems (BWUTS), a joint venture between the US-based supplier and 12 Chinese automakers in Dalian, will supply ‘DualTronic’ (twin clutch) control modules and clutch modules with integral torsional vibration dampers for FAW’s new seven-speed wet dual-clutch transmission (DCT).
The gearbox is expected to debut in FAW’s flagship Hongqi (Red Flag) luxury sedan in late 2013 and will be the first Chinese-built rear-wheel drive DCT. Two other transmissions are under development for production in 2014 and 2015 with total planned volume of at least 500,000 units a year. Improved solenoids and new friction materials with the latest clutch pack design deliver better fuel economy and torque transfer compared with previous wet and dry clutch systems, BW claimed.
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Its transmissions chief Robin Kendrick said: “Interest in dual clutch transmissions is particularly strong among vehicle manufacturers in major growth markets in Asia and Europe. The overall market [is expected] to grow from 2.6m units in 2011 to 8.7m units by 2017.”
