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NEWS
All-wheel drive for the masses
New hydraulic system coming in 2017 slashes cost, weight and boosts fuel efficiencyThe manufacturer of a claimed global-first hydraulic all-wheel drive system says it will make all-paw grip affordable for many small cars for the first time.
The system, developed by French company Poclain Hydraulics, is claimed to cut weight, mechanical losses, CO2 emissions and fuel consumption by a massive 50 per cent compared to a mechanical all-wheel drive transmission, without reducing passenger, boot and fuel tank capacity.
The system comprises two hydraulic pumps, a set of high-pressure hoses and hydraulic motors located in both rear wheels and weighs about 40kg, compared, to a traditional mechanical system that might weigh as much as 120kg.
The prototype design, revealed at the Michelin Challenge Bibendum in Chengdu China this week, is for a front-wheel drive small car, although it has been designed to fit under much larger platforms, including commercial vehicles.
Currently in development, it will go into production in 2017, although Poclain isn't saying under what brands of vehicles.
"We have some good advanced contact with some OEM [Original Equipment Manufacturers] which are giving us the idea that it will happen," Poclain global on-road sales manager Stephane Briere told motoring.com.au.
Briere explained those OEMs were attracted by the simplicity and therefore low-cost of the hydraulic system, which made a business case much easier to formulate for an AWD small car.
"When they have to invest in a car to have the 4x4 option they have to put a ticket of engineering that is quite high and this explains why some OEMs do not have any all-wheel drive," he said.
"It is not because the market is not there expecting something, it is because it is too heavy [costly] compared to the volume.
"So what we bring is a more affordable solution... We are not putting constraints on the OEM and we are not putting constraints on the end customer."
One reason the design is so cheap is it requires no software calibration, which these days is a significant vehicle development cost. Another is that the underbody of the donor 4x2 car requires no modification such as a large transmission tunnel because only hoses – not a prop shaft – run from front to rear.
Poclain is best known as designer of hydraulic transmissions for heavy trucks and does significant business with the Australian mining industry. The Michelin Challenge Bibendum is a think-tank, seminar and motor show devoted to future transport technologies and sustainable mobility.
The Poclain hydraulic AWD system would have particular appeal in emerging markets where road systems are poor, inclement weather can cause havoc and the vast majority of buyers can only afford simple, small cars.
"In emerging markets there are a lot of people buying a car for the first time," said Briere. "There are a lot of people who do not have a lot of money to buy a high level car.
"And in these countries climate add consequences ... in Russia for example, after snow there is mud everywhere and mud is drama for all cars."
Briere stressed the system was light-duty and low-speed only, disengaging at speeds over 50km/h. It can engage automatically or by button. The torque split can be tuned depending on the preference of the car manufacturer.
There is also a choice of an integrated hydraulic motor and pump centrally mounted between the rear wheels rather than the twin in-wheel motors.
Poclain also has the ambition to eventually offer car owners the chance to retrofit its system. This service is already offered in France for the Peugeot Boxer commercial vehicle (a badge-engineered Fiat Ducato, pictured).
Briere made the point that the system could be suitable for someone who wanted the advantages of all-wheel drive without having to combat the image issues sometimes associated with SUVs.
"What we would like to be is independent from the image," he said. "If you like the 4x4 image then we know the car and you can use the technology. But if you don't like this image it is possible for you as well to get the function."
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Written byBruce Newton
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