REDDITCH, England, Sept. 10, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- GKN Driveline's Multi-Mode eTransmission makes its debut on the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV - the world's first twin-motor 4WD plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle with ability to charge on-the-go.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130910/DE77178)(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110809/DE49568LOGO)

Debuting at the Frankfurt Motor Show (Sept. 10-22, 2013) Mitsubishi Motors' new twin-motor 4WD plug-in Hybrid Electric crossover is powered by two-60kW electric motors, one in the front and the other in the rear, both fed by a large capacity lithium-ion battery. A gas engine and a generator are also fitted.

The GKN Multi-Mode eTransmission, when used as the front transaxle, offers optimum performance in three different driving modes with two different power sources:

• Pure EV mode, with the vehicle's front and rear axles driven only by the electric motors with the front motor being attached to the GKN Multi-Mode eTransmission. Energy is sourced from the battery.
• Series hybrid mode, with the combustion engine driving a generator to charge the traction battery on-the-go while the car is still only driven by its front and rear electric motors.
• Parallel hybrid mode, with the combustion engine's torque feeding through to the GKN Multi-Mode eTransmission to the front wheels via a hydraulic clutch which remains disengaged in both other modes. Front and rear motors then supplement the gasoline engine. Battery charging still occurs as well.

The GKN Multi-Mode eTransmission's lightweight, compact design honed for high efficiency adds to the car's extraordinary low CO₂ tailpipe emission of 44g/km.

"In their quest to find appealing packages for low carbon mobility, the vehicle manufacturers are exploring all possible avenues," said Rob Rickell,GKN Driveline's global engineering director. "With the new Outlander PHEV, Mitsubishi Motors has broken new ground and we are excited to have played a key role helping make this innovation a reality."

About GKN Driveline

GKN Driveline is the world's leading supplier of automotive driveline components and systems. As a global company serving the world's leading vehicle manufacturers, GKN Driveline develops, builds and supplies an extensive range of automotive driveline components – for use in the smallest ultra low-cost car to the most sophisticated premium vehicle demanding the most complex driving dynamics.

GKN Driveline is a leading global producer of CVJ Systems, AWD Systems, Trans Axle Solutions and eDrive Systems and operates in 22 countries at 56 locations employing 22,000 people.

www.gkndriveline.com

About the GKN Group

GKN plc is a global engineering business serving mainly the automotive, aerospace and land systems markets. It has operations in more than 32 countries, around 48,000 employees in subsidiaries and joint ventures and had sales of 6.9 billion Pounds in the year to 31 December 2012. GKN plc is listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE: GKN).

www.gkn.com

SOURCE GKN plc

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