Differential calculus

A new transmission system will benefit drivers and engineers in the challenging world of extreme rally racing, its UK developer has claimed.

produced its new six-speed gearbox and rear differential, called '532', in response to rule changes by motorsports governing body the FIA.

The changes allowed additional approved manufacturers to provide transmissions for cars entering Super 2000 rallies.

Previously, SWR Motorsport, with its SADEV gearbox, was the only authorised supplier of transmissions for Super 2000 cars. But there are now three FIA-approved suppliers, including Xtrac and Ricardo.

The FIA introduced the new regulations in an effort to keep down the cost of taking part in motorsport by increasing competition.

'To meet FIA requirements we have put a lot of effort into achieving the lowest possible costs, while ensuring that technically we have a reliable and lightweight transmission,' said Adrian Moore, Xtrac technical director.

The gearbox was designed at the company's technical centre at Thatcham in Berkshire, where the product will also be manufactured and assembled.