The FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) started with the Monte Carlo Rally. A revolutionary development was also experienced in the championship, which was held for the 50th time this year, allowing the use of hybrid vehicles in the races for the first time. Schaeffler, one of the global leading suppliers of the automotive and industrial sectors, once again assumes a leading role in this new era through its subsidiary Compact Dynamics, providing all manufacturers with an innovative hybrid system. Carrying its technology pioneer position in the field of motor sports, the company transfers its expertise in this field directly to high-volume production solutions in the field of e-mobility.
Organized by the International Automobile Sports Federation (FIA), the World Rally Championship took place for the 50th time this year. With its new technical regulations, the FIA supported the development of sustainable propulsion systems, as well as providing more safety and equal opportunity in the rally. For the first time this year, hybrid motor vehicles were used as the best example of this.
It plays a decisive role in the future of the World Rally Championship
Schaeffler, one of the leading global suppliers of the automotive and industrial sectors, has come to the fore with its breakthrough inventions and solutions in the field of mobility for more than 70 years. The company also plays a pioneering role in motor sports through its Compact Dynamics subsidiary, equipping all vehicles with an innovative hybrid system. Making statements on the subject, Schaeffler E-Mobility Business Division Head Dr. Jochen Schröder, “Motorsport for Schaeffler and Compact Dynamics; It is in an important position in terms of developing innovative technologies in the field of e-mobility. We are very happy and proud that our subsidiary Compact Dynamics is playing a decisive role in the future of the World Rally Championship. As pioneers of mobility, we were able to implement a 'race-to-life' strategy by recognizing early on the potential of motorsport to develop innovative future technologies.” said.
A milestone in hybrid technology
At the heart of the new drive concept is the high-performance hybrid system from Compact Dynamics. The hybrid system combines a motor-generator, control unit and 3,9 kWh battery supplied by Kreisel Electric in a very compact design. The system, which weighs only 87 kilograms, is placed diagonally as a plug-in in the middle of the new Rally1 cars. It corresponds to the P3 topology as it is connected to the powertrain via a shaft to the rear differential. Oliver Blamberger, General Manager of Compact Dynamics, conveying information about the system, said, “The system is a turning point in hybrid technology. During events, vehicles are driven in all-electric mode in certain areas, such as the service park or hybrid electric vehicle zones (HEV). In addition to the 286 kW (390 PS) of the internal combustion engine, the hybrid system provides rally drivers with 100 kW of extra power on special stages. The traction battery can also be recharged by recovering braking energy during stages.” said.
Expertise gained in motor racing is reflected in mass production
Competitive expertise is directly integrated into Schaeffler's series production capacity, for example in electric axles, hybrid transmissions or electric motors in vehicles with electric drive. Schaeffler, the series and innovation partner of Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM), a Germany-based auto racing series, is already revolutionizing the world's most important touring car races and is developing an all-electric concept vehicle with almost 1.200 PS, torque steering and Space Drive steering technology. . Schaeffler took part in the FIA Formula E electric racing series between 2014 and 2021 and played an active role in guiding the championship from the very beginning.
Subjecting cars to the toughest conditions with its tough schedule, the World Rally Championship is also an ideal test laboratory for innovative technologies. With 13 stages to be held in Europe, Africa and Oceania, sub-zero temperatures, snow and ice in Sweden; In Kenya, it brings together dust and extremely harsh conditions reaching an altitude of more than 2.000 meters.
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