Xtrac Instantaneous Gearchange System
The dual clutch transmission has just reached motorcycling in the form of the Honda VFR1200F, but a British firm has already gone beyond thatWell-known British engineering company Xtrac has developed a new driveline technology in the form of an Instantaneous Gearchange System (IGS), according to a report in Gizmag.
IGS, similar to a dual clutch transmission but without the weight, cost and level of complexity, operates with the integration of a ratchet and pawl mechanism between each gear hub and the main shaft so that two consecutive gear ratios can be selected and engaged simultaneously, but with only one set of gears driving.
The IGS system, unveiled in Berlin last week after a couple of years R & D in a motorsport setting, is likely to continue development in electric vehicle powertrains, starting with a two-speed transmission.
“When introducing new technology to the automotive mainstream it’s important to have progressed beyond the initial research and development phase,” Xtrac Technical Director Adrian Moore told Gizmag.
“Car makers like to see practical demonstrations to show that the technology actually works and is more than a concept. With our motorsport experience we have the advantage of two years of racing IGS with professional teams.”
Honda’s VFR1200F is the first motorcycle to feature a dual clutch transmission.
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