The challenge
The X1 sends power from its engine to the rear wheels by chain. The rear drive needed to share that power between both wheels, send more of it to the wheel with grip when the other starts to spin, and hold the sprocket, bearings and axles in perfect alignment, all inside a tight space at the back of the car.
Requirements
- Automatic torque biasing for traction out of corners, with no driver input
- A rigid carrier that keeps the sprocket, bearings and axles aligned under load
- Simple, reliable chain adjustment
- Compact and light enough to package at the rear of the chassis
- Easy to strip, service and rebuild between race meetings
Our approach
We designed the differential and its carrier together as one CAD assembly: the gear set and housing, the carrier plates, the drive axles, the sprocket mount and the chain tensioner. Section views let us check every bearing, seal and spline before anything was made.
Each sub-assembly was then documented for manufacture, so every part could be machined by our production partners and assembled consistently in our workshop.
Results
The result is a rear drive that puts the power down cleanly and can be serviced quickly at the track. It shows the full process in one part: design, documentation, managed machining and assembly, all under one roof.
Gallery
