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GKN Driveline is supplying its ElectroMagnetic Control Device (EMCD) for use in the Infiniti FX’s all-wheel drive system. The technology allows the car to operate in rear-wheel drive, but moves up to 50 per cent of the torque to the front wheels when needed.

EMCD apportions power between rear and front wheels in a range of driving manoeuvres, such as take-off, cornering and on varied road conditions. GKN has supplied couplings to previous generations of Infiniti FX vehicles. The latest EMCD is smaller, lighter and has lower internal losses, making it easier to integrate into the transfer case.

GKN Driveline Torque Technology managing director Graeme Walford said: “This application has been a challenging development. It is 30% lighter and has around 80% less drag torque, contributing to the car’s overall fuel economy.”

The technology is also featuring on an increasing number of AWD vehicles derived from FWD platforms.

"Since re-engineering our EMCD products, we have made a successful launch on the Nissan Murano, and are now working on new applications with four new customers in Europe, the USA and Asia,” said Walford. “Our development focus is on making EMCD lighter and more efficient to support fuel economy improvements for AWD vehicles and on increasing our interaction with customers in the important areas of vehicle dynamics, electronics and system integration activities."