I think I’ve posted the only comment from Xtrac on the new transmission (below). I’ve asked for image of the casing but have been politely, refused. So I can’t confirm if that is the Xtrac ‘box, I am guessing its not, since they have said they are not supplying USF1.
Also we are getting conflicting information from USF1. The CAD images from Racecar engineering magazine clearly showed a typical F1 rear damper set up , with the rockers pivoting longitudinally, thus placing the heave damper across the case. The case shown in the clip, uses vertical pivots, that places the heave damper in a different position. Again this is a dated set up, that is bulkier aerodynamically. Does anyone recognise this case from other American single seater series, is it just a dummy set up for the camera?
Xtrac to supply Campos, Lotus and Virgin F1 teams with complete transmission system
Xtrac, the transmission technology specialist and long-established supplier of gearbox components to almost every F1 team on the grid, will supply Campos Meta F1 and Lotus F1 Racing with its recently launched gearbox, designated as Project 1044, developed for the 2010 season. Including an aluminium casing, it’s Xtrac’s first total transmission system supplied into Formula One since 1996, when the company supplied complete gearboxes and not just the vital internal components. New team Virgin Racing will be using the entire Project 1044 internals kit in its own design of casing. All three F1 teams are racing with a Cosworth engine, for which the transmission was originally conceived as part of the FIA proposals put forward in 2008 to significantly reduce costs through the option of a standard powertrain. In the context of F1, where every component is normally designed and manufactured as a bespoke item, Xtrac’s “batch-produced” gearbox with common parts offers significant cost savings, while technically remaining highly competitive. It also benefits from an extensive rig and engine dynamometer test programme. With a contemporary longitudinal layout, commonly utilised in F1 gearboxes, the transmission can be easily adapted to other F1 engines. It positions the gear cluster forward of the differential to ensure excellent vehicle weight distribution, while meeting critical aerodynamic requirements at the rear of the vehicle. It’s also designed to be as compact as possible to help accommodate the larger fuel tank and tighter packaging requirements imposed by the 2010 regulations. At only approximately 40kg the basic architecture balances the usual requirements for low weight, reliability and robust performance. The design philosophy behind the internal components also benefits greatly from Xtrac’s extensive experience in F1 and as a leading designer and supplier of complete transmission systems to other major motorsport series around the world. Established for 25 years, Xtrac is a world leader in the design and manufacture of gearboxes, differentials and driveline components, which are used throughout motorsport and in particular within F1, IRL, Touring Cars, Rallying, Rally Raid, Grand Am and many forms of sportscar racing including a major involvement in the Le Mans 24 hour, Daytona 24 hour and Sebring 12 hour races. The company is also developing its non motorsport activities, with rapid growth in the defence and marine sectors. Further information on Xtrac is available atwww.xtrac.com.
