Jaguar XF to get KERS from Torotrak

footie · 03-18-2009, 08:21 AM

With each passing day, green automotive technology gets better and better. Transmission specialist Torotrak is working with Land Rover to produce a mechanical hybrid system with a small infinitely variable transmission with a tiny flywheel. The system is quite similar to the KERS (kinetic energy recovery systems) to be used in Formula 1 this season. KERS is a regenerative braking mechanism that converts kinetic energy to energy that the vehicle can use to boost efficiency.

As the car brakes, the energy that goes through the IVT is used to spin the flywheel at up to 64,000rpm. When the car accelerates again, that stored kinetic energy is discharged, providing a boost in power and increased energy efficiency.

Torotrak is poised to be successful in its development as it has gained support from US transmission-maker Allison. Wit the combined technologies of the two companies, both are poised to be able to deliver better transmission systems.

This new transmission is set to be used in Jaguar and Land Rover lines.

KERS by Torotrak

Interesting reading.

southlight · 03-18-2009, 04:23 PM

That is an interesting reading. Thanks footie!

What's the timeline on that system? I reckoned it took Torotrak quite some time to make it work at all. Might take some more development until it's ready for a street car.

On a related note: BMW will show what they're planning with their own KERS version soon. As of now it seems likely that the next M5 will have such a system.

Best regards, south

blue2fire · 03-18-2009, 04:35 PM

Interesting Read.

footie · 03-18-2009, 04:38 PM

I have it from a source inside the company that say it's already up and running in close to final testing stage. Seems like the ties between Jaguar/LandRover and Torotrak is very close and both IVT and KERS have be developed for quite some time in both brands. In fact the Chief Executive of Torotrak was one of the top executive at Jaguar for a long time.

BTW I reckon not later than early 2010.

southlight · 03-18-2009, 05:57 PM

That's really soon. I look forward to see it and its benefits...

Best regards, south

footie · 03-18-2009, 07:45 PM

Well here's hoping the info is correct. The talk is that it's very impressive but unlike the M5 it I believe is to use for economy instead of outright performance.

03-18-2009, 08:21 AM	#1
footie Major General 1228 Rep 8,034 Posts Drives: i5M60 Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: No where fast iTrader: (0) Garage List 2024 BMW i5M60 [0.00] 2022 BMW i4M50 [0.00] 2020 BMW M5 Competi ... [0.00] 2008 E92 M3 [0.00]	Jaguar XF to get KERS from Torotrak With each passing day, green automotive technology gets better and better. Transmission specialist Torotrak is working with Land Rover to produce a mechanical hybrid system with a small infinitely variable transmission with a tiny flywheel. The system is quite similar to the KERS (kinetic energy recovery systems) to be used in Formula 1 this season. KERS is a regenerative braking mechanism that converts kinetic energy to energy that the vehicle can use to boost efficiency. As the car brakes, the energy that goes through the IVT is used to spin the flywheel at up to 64,000rpm. When the car accelerates again, that stored kinetic energy is discharged, providing a boost in power and increased energy efficiency. Torotrak is poised to be successful in its development as it has gained support from US transmission-maker Allison. Wit the combined technologies of the two companies, both are poised to be able to deliver better transmission systems. This new transmission is set to be used in Jaguar and Land Rover lines. KERS by Torotrak Interesting reading.
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03-18-2009, 04:23 PM	#2
southlight Moderator / European Editor 1590 Rep 6,752 Posts Drives: X3M Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Germany iTrader: (0)	That is an interesting reading. Thanks footie! What's the timeline on that system? I reckoned it took Torotrak quite some time to make it work at all. Might take some more development until it's ready for a street car. On a related note: BMW will show what they're planning with their own KERS version soon. As of now it seems likely that the next M5 will have such a system. Best regards, south __________________ Those forums...WHY NOT? JOIN THE 6MT CLUB GROUP
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03-18-2009, 04:38 PM	#4
footie Major General 1228 Rep 8,034 Posts Drives: i5M60 Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: No where fast iTrader: (0) Garage List 2024 BMW i5M60 [0.00] 2022 BMW i4M50 [0.00] 2020 BMW M5 Competi ... [0.00] 2008 E92 M3 [0.00]	I have it from a source inside the company that say it's already up and running in close to final testing stage. Seems like the ties between Jaguar/LandRover and Torotrak is very close and both IVT and KERS have be developed for quite some time in both brands. In fact the Chief Executive of Torotrak was one of the top executive at Jaguar for a long time. BTW I reckon not later than early 2010.
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03-18-2009, 05:57 PM	#5
southlight Moderator / European Editor 1590 Rep 6,752 Posts Drives: X3M Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Germany iTrader: (0)	That's really soon. I look forward to see it and its benefits... Best regards, south __________________ Those forums...WHY NOT? JOIN THE 6MT CLUB GROUP
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03-18-2009, 07:45 PM	#6
footie Major General 1228 Rep 8,034 Posts Drives: i5M60 Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: No where fast iTrader: (0) Garage List 2024 BMW i5M60 [0.00] 2022 BMW i4M50 [0.00] 2020 BMW M5 Competi ... [0.00] 2008 E92 M3 [0.00]	Well here's hoping the info is correct. The talk is that it's very impressive but unlike the M5 it I believe is to use for economy instead of outright performance.
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