GKN Driveline’s Viscodrive coupling technology has been launched on a further two new models, both compact seven-seater all-wheel drive (AWD) vehicles, unveiled in Japan.
Toyota and Daihatsu combined their product-planning know-how in the new vehicles. The Toyota Passo Sette and the Daihatsu Boon Luminas, both have the GKN Driveline Viscodrive coupling unit (VCU) fitted as standard. The VCU is a well-proven AWD component highly suitable for small and compact cars, widely used in Japan. In the VCU, alternating plates submerged in silicone fluid transfer torque to the vehicle's rear axle every time the front wheels lose traction. The coupling operates without expensive on-board electronics or driver intervention and is designed to be maintenance-free over the vehicle’s lifetime.
In both cases, GKN Driveline's Viscodrive® coupling performs consistently in conjunction with the vehicle’s ABS systems. Advances in electronic controls for ABS systems along with a specifically engineered tuning of the coupling characteristics continue to make GKN Driveline's Viscodrive coupling a popular choice for AWD control technology in compact cars in Japan.
Rob Rickell, global engineering director, GKN Driveline said: "Both Toyota and Daihatsu are important brands which have been using our Viscodrive® products for many years. We are very proud that this technology continues to be recognised by this leading automobile group for its outstanding reliability and cost-effectiveness in innovative new compact vehicles such as these two new MPVs."
Currently both the Toyota Passo Sette and Daihatsu Boon Luminas are only available in Japan.
