Greater Driving Dynamics and Comfort
Greater Driving Dynamics and Comfort
ZF’s dynamic drive concepts do not mean you have to drive a vehicle permanently within the limit. Instead, they increase safety and offer dynamics wherever and whenever the driver wants them.
Clocking up mileage quickly
For drivers, clocking up mileage quickly is more than merely a question of time – it is also a question of perception. With ZF transmissions such as the second-generation 6-speed automatic transmission or the dual clutch transmission, the gears are shifted so quickly that they are barely perceptible for the passengers. The torque converter’s fast lockup means the car drives more smoothly, even with gear changes. Intelligent gearshift electronics adapt to different driving styles, practically second-guessing the driver’s next moves through the soles of their feet, be it a zippy overtaking maneuver or simply cruising through the city.
Extracting every last drop of power
For effective, dynamic propulsion, the power generated by a car must be transferred from the engine via the wheels to the road without any losses caused by slippage or tire squeal, for example. The concept of the Torque Vector System goes one step further, by optimally distributing the drive torque to exactly where it is needed for the specific driving situation. As all of the vehicle’s transmissions – automatic transmission, transfer case, front and rear axle drive – are linked electronically, the power can be distributed individually between the front and rear axle and between the different wheels on each axle. The transverse distribution supports the steering and stabilizes the vehicle. Sporty drivers of all-wheel drives will noticeably feel this optimum power distribution whenever they take a corner or change lanes quickly – even if they do not accelerate. Cars with rear-wheel drive can also benefit from this intelligent approach to distributing the drive torque.
Unrestricted dynamics
ZF is pushing back the boundaries of driving dynamics so that
drivers can choose the way they drive to suit them, be it sportily
or with greater safety reserves.
ZF engineers are already working on the next generation of
controlled chassis, making sure their own units fit seamlessly
into the vehicle’s networking environment, including brake and
engine control intervention. This is particularly important in the
case of
IWD (Intelligent Wheel Dynamics) , a concept in which
a central control unit for the active steering, CDC electronic
damping system, and Vector Drive rear axle drive makes
corrections within the dynamic drive limits to improve the stability
of the vehicle in critical situations. As a result, sudden evasive
maneuvers, which put a great strain on vehicle stability,
are easier to handle.
Last Update: 02.04.2008 Responsible: MZM-KP