Auburn Hills, Michigan, October 12, 2016 – BorgWarner produces its latest multi-segment friction plate technology for all six clutch positions in Ford’s new 10-speed automatic transmission. Launched in the 2017 F-150 Raptor pickup truck, the new transmission will drive multiple Ford rear-wheel drive vehicles. Ford’s new 10-speed transmission includes three types of BorgWarner multi-segment friction plates, including the first application of its newest high-energy friction material.
“We worked closely with Ford engineers early in the project to achieve new benchmarks in shift feel and efficiency,” said Robin Kendrick, President and General Manager, BorgWarner Transmission Systems. “With significant capital improvements to our plant in Bellwood, Illinois, our state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment and processes will deliver the latest high-quality friction plates for this important application.”
BorgWarner’s proprietary friction materials withstand high-energy events, allowing the friction plate to hold higher torque without slipping. Optimized groove patterns between segments of friction material increase oil flow, which improves cooling and prolongs clutch life. Drag and spin losses also improve, contributing to increased fuel economy.