GKN Driveline continues to win new orders for its complete all-wheel drive (AWD) Disconnect system developed for small to medium-sized vehicles. GKN’s scalable system is featured in the all-new 2017 Jeep® Compass, a global compact SUV delivering unsurpassed 4×4 capability, world-class on-road driving dynamics, advanced fuel-efficient powertrains and premium styling.

Phil Swash, Chief Executive Officer, GKN Driveline, said: “The success of GKN’s AWD Disconnect system for small to medium-sized vehicles demonstrates why automakers partner with GKN on driveline strategies for their global platforms. Consumers want AWD more than ever – and GKN is the only supplier with the capability to develop all the hardware and software for the driveline, to manage the vehicle integration and optimize the on- and off-road characteristics.”

GKN’s scalable AWD Disconnect system was first launched on the Jeep Renegade and Fiat 500X. GKN builds the system at facilities in Europe, North America, Latin America and China to provide local sourcing to the global platform.

GKN’s Disconnect function enables vehicles to combine the enhanced traction, dynamics and stability of all-wheel drive with improved on-highway fuel efficiency. The system reacts to driver inputs and road conditions to seamlessly switch between two-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.

During steady state cruising, the clutch system disengages the rear section of the driveline, eliminating rotating losses and improves highway fuel economy by up to 4% – compared to standard AWD. If the driver or conditions require more traction, the system reconnects within just 300 milliseconds.

The AWD system is simpler to integrate into smaller vehicle platforms thanks to GKN’s advanced system architecture. With only minor hardware and software changes, the AWD Disconnect system can be scaled to suit vehicles of different sizes and dynamic requirements. GKN’s control software enables models with the same hardware to deliver the right driving characteristics for each brand.

An active torque biasing function provides precise control of the distribution of torque between the front and rear wheels, optimising traction, stability and performance.