ZF Technology All Around NAIAS
ZF, the German auto supplier with its North American headquarters in Northville, has its technology involved in several models exhibited at the 22nd North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit.
Highlights of new vehicles at NAIAS which incorporate ZF technology include:
Audi A6: The new challenger in the midsize luxury category is presented to the public for the very first time in Detroit. ZF supplies the 8-speed automatic transmission, suspension and electronic components, and the shift-by-wire gearshift system. An optional feature is the active steering system from ZF Lenksysteme, which is integrated into the steering column and comes with an actuator. The A6 Hybrid uses ZF's 8-speed hybrid transmission, the same drive concept as the Q5 Hybrid. Its 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine (211 hp) is supported by the 33.5-kW electric motor from ZF. At 265 pounds (120 kg), the hybrid transmission does not weigh more than the conventional transmission, because the torque converter has been omitted.
Audi A7: The new Sportback is equipped with ZF's electronic damper system CDC, suspension and electronic components, as well as a shift-by-wire system. An optional feature is the active steering system from ZF Lenksysteme, which is integrated into the steering column and comes with an actuator, and, depending on the engine type, ZF's 8-speed automatic transmission.
Audi A8: The luxury sedan's comfort and dynamic driving characteristics are supported by numerous, intelligently networked systems from ZF, such as the new 8-speed automatic transmission, the electronic damper system CDC, suspension and electronic components, the shift-by-wire gearshift system with a "yacht-type" gear lever, and the speed-dependent Servotronic. The active steering system and, depending on the engine type, a controlled vane pump or the variable-capacity pump Varioserv, from ZF Lenksysteme, are optional features.
Audi Q5: Audi's first hybrid model is the first series application of ZF's full hybrid transmission, with fully integrated electric drive. In its standard version, the Q5 has axle drives, suspension and electronic components and a shift system from ZF, as well as a steering column from ZF Lenksysteme. An electronic damper system CDC is optional.
Buick LaCrosse: Buick's midsize sedan offers the CDC electronic damper system, which offers continuously changing damper characteristics to maintain optimal vehicle ride control over varying road surfaces.
Buick Regal GS: Like its larger sibling, the LaCrosse, the European-influenced Regal GS sport sedan features the ZF developed CDC electronic damper system, which offers continuously changing damper characteristics to maintain optimal vehicle ride control over varying road surfaces.
BMW 5 Series: The new midsize car from Munich is supplied either with ZF's manual 6-speed or the new 8-speed automatic transmission. A special feature is the available active steering system from ZF Lenksysteme, which combines the electromechanical Servolectric with a superimposed axle drive in an axially parallel design. This can save approx. 0.4 liters of fuel and it can be implemented together with a tracking system and parking assist. Additional options are the CDC dampers and the electronic Active Roll Stabilization system (ARS), while the suspension and electronic components are part of the standard equipment.
BMW 7 Series ActiveHybrid: The first hybrid vehicle worldwide with a lithium-ion battery and ZF's 8-speed hybrid transmission combines the DynaStart electric motor (integrated in the transmission) with the internal combustion engine. Also on board is the speed-dependent Servotronic from ZF Lenksysteme, CDC dampers, suspension and electronic components as well as the electronic Active Roll Stabilization system (ARS).
BMW X3: With the 8-speed automatic transmission or the newly developed manual 6-speed transmission from ZF, the new X3 shifts comfortably and dynamically. Both transmissions can be combined with an automatic start-stop system, which helps save fuel. The five-arm rear axle, developed and produced by ZF, is much more compact and light, so it likewise improves comfort, dynamics and fuel consumption. The front axle has also been newly engineered; it combines a double-joint spring-strut front axle with a damper connection, which is decoupled from the vehicle body. ZF developed the shocks, which are specifically adapted to the run-flat tires with special piston valves. They have linear characteristic curves that improve the rolling and noise quality.
Chevrolet Cruze: Chevrolet's compact uses the "Servolectric" electric power steering system from ZF Lenksysteme as standard. It requires energy only when the driver is actually steering, which means 90-percent less energy consumption than with hydraulic steering systems. The Cruze also features a ZF-produced steering column.
Chevrolet Volt: General Motors' first electric car has several lightweight ZF components on board. The "Servolectric" electric power steering system from ZF Lenksysteme is standard. It is in charge of steering in purely electrically driven vehicles and requires energy only when the driver is actually steering. In practice, this means 90-percent less energy consumption than with hydraulic steering systems.
Dodge Durango: The redesigned Durango SUV features ZF axle drives and offers the Nivomat self-leveling shock absorbers. Nivomat helps ensure the optimal vehicle ride height, for greater safety and passenger comfort when towing or when the vehicle is loaded with cargo. It also helps optimize fuel economy by maintaining vehicle aerodynamics on the highway.
Jeep Grand Cherokee: All-new and critically acclaimed, the stalwart Jeep Grand Cherokee features ZF axle drives and offers the Nivomat self-leveling shock absorbers. Nivomat helps ensure the optimal vehicle ride height, for greater safety and passenger comfort when towing or when the vehicle is loaded with cargo. It also helps optimize fuel economy by maintaining vehicle aerodynamics on the highway.
Land Rover Evoque: The new SUV from Halewood/Liverpool features suspension components and a shift system from ZF. Range Rover engineers initially focused on optimizing the stiffness of the chassis systems and body structure, followed by meticulous tuning of the suspension components and the electromechanical power steering system "Servolectric" from ZF Lenksysteme.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class Convertible: The new convertible is available with amplitude-selective dampers, which are also used in the C-Class. Split-damper characteristics allow for best-in-class comfort and outstanding driving dynamics. Depending on the engine type, a ZF Lenksysteme steering pump is used, which is required for the supply of the hydraulic power steering system.
Mini Countryman: The fourth model of the Mini brand offers AWD, as well as ZF axle modules and suspension components. They were developed by ZF and are delivered just-in-sequence to the production site in Graz, Austria. Also on board: hydraulically damping control-arm mounts that ensure well-defined and precise vehicle handling even when driving is highly dynamic.
Porsche Cayenne: The new Porsche Cayenne and its sister model, the Volkswagen Touareg, are available with hybrid drives. ZF supplies the axle drives, the electronic damper system CDC (PASM, Porsche Active Suspension Management), suspension and electronic components, plastic pedals as well as the Servotronic from ZF Lenksysteme as standard equipment for this SUV. The electronic Active Roll Stabilization system (PDCC, Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control) is available.
Volkswagen New Midsize Sedan: The new midsize luxury car for the North American market will come off the assembly line at Volkswagen's U.S. plant in Chattanooga, Tenn. It features the "Servolectric," the energy-saving electric power steering system with a dual-pinion design, from ZF Lenksysteme, as well as ZF suspension components, clutch, shift system and shock absorbers.
Volkswagen Touareg: Like its sister model, the Porsche Cayenne, the new Volkswagen Touareg is now available for the first time with hybrid drive. ZF supplies the SUV with axle drives, the electronic damper system CDC, suspension and electronic components, plastic pedals, as well as the Servotronic power steering system from ZF Lenksysteme.
More at www.zf.com.
