BorgWarner Touts Friction-Plate Technology in Ford 10-Speed Transmission

Auburn Hills, Mich.-based BorgWarner Inc. is introducing a new high-energy friction material in Ford Motor Co.’s 10-speed automatic transmission that debuts this autumn in the 2017 F-150 Raptor pickup truck.

The material is part of a multi-segment friction plate that BorgWarner says will be used in all six clutch positions for the 10-speed gearbox, which Ford plans to employ in a variety of rear-wheel-drive models. The transmission includes three types of its friction plates, including the first application of the new material.

The plates feature special groove patterns to increase oil flow to improve cooling and prolongs clutch life. Drag and spin losses also are reduced to help boost fuel efficiency. BorgWarner says the friction materials can withstand “high-energy” events, thus enabling the plate to maintain torque loads without slipping.

Ford co-developed the 10-speed transmission with General Motors Co., which is launching the gearbox in its Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 sports coupe. BorgWarner didn’t say if it supplied friction plates for the GM gearbox.