- Transmission adapter is 55 percent lighter than the aluminum version
- Component meets high standards for use in premium vehicles
ContiTech, a division of Continental, has launched a new transmission adapter for cars. Using a glass-fiber-reinforced polyamide, Ultramid by BASF, makes the component 55 percent lighter than the aluminum version previously used.
Used for the first time in new Mercedes-Benz E-Class models
The transmission adapter is being used for the first time in the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class models, which were introduced at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in January 2016. It is a central component of the bearing in the 9G-TRONIC transmission and is planned for future use for models in the Mercedes-Benz C- and S-Classes.
Component meets high standards for use in premium vehicles
Used in cars, the transmission adapter is in the direct line of power transmission between the transmission and the chassis. It withstands these heavy loads reliably. The component is aimed at premium vehicles and meets their high standards in terms of comfort, service life, and crash safety.
Significant weight reduction: the new structural component made of glass-fiber-reinforced polyamide weighs 55 percent less than the original aluminum variant (source: ContiTech)
History of lightweight polyamide components
ContiTech has been using polyamides to produce lightweight components for the automotive sector since 2006. These include heavy-duty engine mounts, over three million of which were manufactured in 2013. In 2014, ContiTech introduced the first transmission crossbeam made of polyamide, for the rear axle. In 2015 came the first spring strut bearing, used on the car chassis as well as on the front and rear axles. ContiTech has also already delivered millions of polyamide torque rod supports and torque reaction mounts.
