World-first for BMW X6

The tier one supplier’s new technology is at the heart of BMW’s dynamic performance control (DPC) system, which is being pioneered on the new 4x4 vehicle. GKN also supplies the latest front and rear side shafts for the X6. The torque vectoring technology has been jointly developed with driveline and chassis technology group ZF. In this first production application for BMW, GKN's torque vectoring hardware units are supplied to system leader ZF, responsible for the final assembly and supply of the Vectordrive rear axle system. Torque vectoring helps to overcome the tendency of 4x4s to understeer when cornering under power at speed. BMW engineers developed integrated chassis management control software to manage all the disparate systems to produce an overall package that it claims redefines the dynamic performance, safety and all-terrain ability of powerful SUVs like the X6. Graeme Walford, managing director of GKN Driveline Torque Technology said: “The challenge for premium car manufacturers is to provide greater sophistication in driving dynamics whilst at the same time minimising weight and cost. With our latest driveline technologies in torque vectoring and sideshafts GKN has been able to help BMW achieve a remarkable first with the X6”.