Zytek to supply revolutionary Electric Gearshift System for the new A1 Grand Prix series
Motorsport specialist Zytek Engineering has signed an agreement to supply its advanced Electric Gearshift System (EGS) to all the cars in the new A1 Grand Prix series. The agreement, which will see Zytek manufacture 54 EGS units over the next twelve months, comes after the announcement last year that Zytek will be the sole supplier of engines to the new race series.
The Zytek EGS is lighter and simpler than alternative hydraulic or pneumatic systems and its all-electric operation offers high reliability, straightforward integration and improved gearbox life. The EGS weighs approximately 6 kg in total and can produce individual gearshifts in less than 40 ms, and up to four downshifts in less than one second.
The precise movement of the electric actuators also means that there is very little wear on the gear selector mechanism and dog rings, extending gearbox life and improving reliability and shifting accuracy. The fully electric approach removes the need for a separate hydraulic or pneumatic system, reducing vehicle mass and complexity. Once fitted, the system is essentially maintenance-free and there is no potential for leakage of air or hydraulic fluid.
The EGS requires extremely precise control and state-of-the art energy management. Zytek has made use of its long background in control electronics and software and the electromechanical design expertise of its electric vehicles division to engineer a system which can operate reliably in the most demanding race conditions without excessive power consumption. The EGS control unit includes built-in energy storage, which accumulates electrical energy from the vehicle alternator between gearshifts and delivers high power for a fast shifting action. All system components together with the control and calibration software have been developed in-house by Zytek.
The EGS system was introduced last year on Zytek’s own highly successful 04S sportscar, which competed in the Le Mans Endurance series. The system installed on the car completed a gruelling season of racing without missing a single shift.
Zytek has an enviable reputation for supplying engines and technical expertise to many different race series. The company has been the sole supplier of engines to the FIA F3000 International Championship since 1996, but has been involved with competitors in the series since 1989.
Following the conclusion of the new deal John Manchester, Operations Director of Zytek Engineering, said: “We are delighted that we have been selected to supply our EGS system as well as A1 Grand Prix’s racing engine. This is a perfect application for the technology – the system’s unique combination of high performance and reliability will help to make the A1 Grand Prix Series one of the most exciting spectacles in the world of motor sport.”
About A1 Grand PrixA1 Grand Prix is a brand new FIA sanctioned international racing series. The brainchild of His Highness Sheikh Maktoum Hasher Maktoum Al Maktoum, a member of the Ruling Family of Dubai, the series will run during motor racing’s traditional ‘off’ season with the proposed events taking place in Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa and the Americas. It will begin in September 2005 and run through to April 2006.
The A1 Grand Prix championship comprises 25 teams, with each team representing a nation in what will be The World Cup of Motorsport. Team will race identical A1 Grand Prix cars produced by Lola International, powered by 3.4 litre, 550bhp V8 A1 Grand Prix engines, built by Zytek Engineering.
About Zytek
Zytek was formed in 1982 to design, develop and manufacture electronic products for motorsport applications.
Today, the Zytek Group comprises five highly focused divisions which together are able to provide a true single-source for both individual motor racing teams and for one-make racing series.
· Zytek Systems develops and supplies road and race-car engine management systems, and control systems software and engineering for vehicle systems integration and dynamic control applications.
· MZT is dedicated to the development of advanced road car powertrain control systems solely for Motorola’s Automotive Group.
· Zytek Electric Vehicles supplies one of the world’s highest power density electric traction motors and integrates electric and hybrid powertrain systems for concept and production vehicles.
· Zytek Engineering Engine Technology Division designs, develops and manufactures high-performance racing engines for motorsport applications. The company also undertakes all mechanical engineering development for the Zytek Group of companies.
· Zytek Engineering Vehicle Technology Division specialises in motorsport chassis design and development, providing turnkey solutions for any racing formula. It calls on the expertise within the Zytek Group to integrate electronic systems, engines and harnessing as required by each customer.
