Driveline & Transmission Systems

Ricardo has a world-class, fully integrated capability for driveline and transmission system engineering. Its engineers have been responsible for an extremely wide range of products on a global basis, from cost-optimized manual transmissions for developing markets to advanced and high performance systems such as the dual clutch transmission of the Bugatti Veyron. In all cases our engineers aim to meet customer needs through the delivery of the latest technologies focused on optimized efficiency, improved driving enjoyment and ease of use, and reduced whole life costs

A world-leader in transmission and driveline design, technology and innovation: 

• Mechanical design and development of various transmissions from advanced concept and demonstrator programmes through to fully developed and validated systems ready for production
• Extensive benchmarking database of performance, design and cost attributes of many recent technologies and products including planetary automatics, CVTs, AMTs and both wet and dry dual clutch transmissions, to assist in the setting of new product development targets
• Controls engineering to provide actuation, control algorithms and calibration for efficient, smooth and driver-friendly operation
• Extensive capability in gear shift quality assessment and development – Ricardo is also able to supply its GSQA system, the worlds most widely used shift quality objective measurement tool
• The advanced geartrain modelling and analysis package SABR™, which provides the foundation of concept and definitive design on all of Ricardo’s applications, is also available for external licence
• Ricardo’s well equipped in-house advanced manufacturing facility is able to provide high quality development parts in compressed timescales
• Extensive, development testing capabilities for both functional and durability development, including a semi-anechoic chamber for NVH tests
• Training and technology transfer as required by each customer

Key benefits of the Ricardo service:

• One of the world’s most highly respected and experienced transmission and driveline engineering teams
• Strong focus on strategic use of CAE to optimize base designs and minimise development iterations
• Comprehensive capability from concept and target setting projects and troubleshooting exercises, to full turnkey development programmes
• Back-up of the Ricardo in-house manufacturing facility for the warranted supply of product for niche volumes
• International engineering offices in key locations around the world provide direct communication links, detailed market knowledge, and on-site support as required