Volkswagen has developed a new manual gearbox. Designed for efficiency, the MQ281 promises to save up to 5g of CO2 per kilometer depending on the engine-gearbox combination.
¡°With the MQ281, we have developed a highly efficient manual gearbox that reliably meets demands ¨C and is soon to be introduced into a number of vehicle classes in the volume segment,¡± said Helmut G?bbels, head of manual gearbox and four-wheel-drive development at Volkswagen.
The MQ281 has a torque spectrum of 200-340Nm, is based on a 2.5 shaft concept, and boasts a high gear spread of maximum 7.89.
¡°We employed virtual development methods,¡± added G?bbels. ¡°This enabled us to design a completely new oil conduction system. Using a variety of oil conduction measures, we are able to achieve a uniform and optimum lubrication of gear wheels and bearings, reducing the amount of lifetime oil required to just 1.5 liters.¡±
To further reduce friction, a bearing concept adapted to the gearbox was also developed. The design uses friction-minimizing bearings with low-contact seals.
The Volkswagen MQ281 is produced in-house and ramp-up is currently underway in the OEM¡¯s factories in Barcelona (Spain) and C¨®rdoba (Argentina). The new Passat will be the first vehicle to be equipped with the MQ281, followed by almost all vehicle classes of the Volkswagen Group.
