Driveline and transmissions
Ricardo is a world-leader in the design, integration, and niche volume manufacture of driveline and transmission solutions. We create custom solutions optimised to the bespoke requirements of our clients.
Complete transmission development programmes
Ricardo delivers a range of world-class, fully integrated services for driveline and transmission systems across multiple sectors, from passenger car and motorcycle, to motorsport and high-performance vehicle. Specialising in applications where performance, durability, and reliability are paramount.
Our extensive experience of delivering high quality optimised transmissions makes us the partner of choice for the provision of quality, cost-effective turnkey drivelines and transmissions for future propulsion systems across land, sea and air applications. This include all types of ICE, hybrid, battery electric and fuel cell electric propulsion.
How we can help you
Ricardo defines clear programme roadmaps, aligning technical targets, cost and timing. Structured processes ensure risk management, resource optimisation and efficient delivery, supporting robust, scalable transmission solutions from concept through to production and ongoing lifecycle support.
Ricardo combines advanced simulation, system modelling and benchmarking to assess architectures, performance and cost. Early-stage analysis identifies optimal transmission solutions, de-risks development, and ensures efficient, robust designs aligned to application requirements and target attributes.
Ricardo delivers advanced transmission design and development using state-of-the-art CAE tools, covering gear, bearing, casing and system analysis. Our integrated approach spans concept to validation, combining simulation, controls and benchmarking expertise to optimise performance, durability, NVH and efficiency across all driveline applications.
Ricardo provide in-house manufacture, assembly and end-of-line test for transmission and drivelines – from make-to-print components and sub-assemblies to complete driveline systems.
Ricardo provides a complete testing service for all types of transmissions and applications. From sub-components to full builds, we evaluate performance and support compliance with local and industry legislations.
Ricardo help original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) ensure availability of critical automotive parts for aftermarket vehicles and can redesign components to improve efficiencies, meet new legislative targets or improve performance.
Transmission design and engineering
Ricardo's transmission specialists have decades of experience in developing novel solutions to some of the most challenging technical and packaging design briefs.
Our experts think outside of the box to develop optimised driveline and transmission solutions bespoke to the client's requirements. They are equipped with access to advanced digital engineering and simulation technology which enables the team to work as efficiently as possible, whether they are designing from a clean sheet or building on a client's existing design.
Our experts take an end-to-end approach to our transmission design programmes. Our design engineers work closely with our production, manufacturing, and supply chain experts to ensure that value is built into the finished design. All our solutions are developed with cost-effective and efficient manufacture in mind, without compromising on the quality of the finished product.
Transmission manufacturing and assembly
Our transmission experts have extensive experience in highly regulated industries where delivering high-end technical products in short lead times is the norm. This enables us to deliver quality assured products manufactured in niche volumes to meet even the most challenging project timings without compromise.
Our in-house manufacturing facility is capable of producing every element of a high performance transmission. It includes advanced CNC machinery and precision conventional tools and processes which give our skilled engineers complete control over every element of their manufacture. From precision gear manufacturing with high levels of complexity and tight tolerances to intricate prismatic machined components.
Quality, reliability and value are at the heart of our production processes. All of our manufacturing operations are subject to strict quality management controls. We hold ISO 9001:2015 and AS9100D, demonstrating our commitment to delivering components which adhere to strict industry standards and regulatory controls.
Tranmission and driveline applications
Motorsport
Performance Automotive
Ricardo is a trusted global provider of transmission and gearbox solutions for high-performance and specialist automotive markets. We design precision-engineered driveline systems which are then manufactured in niche volumes for leading OEMs to deliver engaging, high-quality driving experiences that define their brands.
Passenger and Commercial Vehicle
We help leading OEMs design transmission systems to suit their applications, delivering cost-effective solutions with rapid development enabled by digital engineering methodologies, including hybrid and electrified driveline support.
Off-highway
We deliver end-to-end support for the off-highway sector, focused developing durable and reliable transmission systems for prime movers and driven equipment. This includes complex mutli-speed and -range solutions solutions based on powershift, DCT and non-electronic DCT systems.
Marine
We deliver end-to-end transmission solutions for marine applications, from concept and design to development, integration and production, ensuring robust, efficient, and cost-effective performance in demanding marine environments.
Motorcycle and light mobility
From a classic sequential manual gearbox to smart automated transmissions, our motorcycle experts develop driveline systems optimised for motorcycle, light mobility and powersport applications.
Aerospace
We deliver transmission design and development programmes for aerospace which achieve the vital reliability levels combined with very low mass and highly compact solutions.
Defence
Ricardo delivers defence transmission and driveline solutions, optimising power, efficiency and durability. We design, develop and produce mechanical and electrified systems, including powerpacks, with through-life support, MRO and spares supply.
Contact our experts
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