Thatcham’s Xtrac collaborates with Czinger on 3D printed gearbox

Engineers from Xtrac, which manufactures transmissions for motorsports in Thatcham, Berkshire, have worked with American sports car manufacturer Czinger to produce a revolutionary gearbox.

3D printed from an aluminium alloy, the automated seven-speed semi-sequential gearbox is both lighter and cheaper than previous models. The new transmission will be integrated into Czinger’s 21C hypercar, which is already capable of going from 0 to 250mph and back down to 0 in 27 seconds.

Among other impressive specifications, a twin barrel gear actuation makes this the ‘fastest automated single clutch syncromesh gearbox in existence’ according to its creators.

The Czinger brand belongs to Divergent, whose 3D printing platform is used to manufacture the chassis for vehicles like the 21C hypercar. Founder Lukas Czinger celebrated the chance to collaborate with the Xtrac team on the project.

Adrian Moore, CEO of Xtrac, added: “What our Xtrac engineers have accomplished in tandem with Czinger and Divergent is groundbreaking. Xtrac is pleased to be at the forefront of cutting-edge gearbox manufacturing by creating these 3D printed casings.

“It has been extremely interesting and very stimulating for our engineers working closely together to bring this cutting edge innovation to life.”

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