MARSHALL, Mich. … Diversified industrial manufacturer Eaton Corporation today unveiled an all-new electronic limited slip differential, called UltraPosi™,”   for front and rear-wheel drive vehicles that performs comparably to four-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive systems and provides up to a 10 percent savings in fuel economy. The new differential provides instant traction and stability under slippery road conditions and improves driver enjoyment under normal conditions.

“Our engineering team is employing all the knowledge we have demonstrated as a global leader in developing electronic and mechanical locking and limited slip differentials for larger rear and four-wheel-drive systems that require added performance and utility, and applying it to the unique requirements of more compact, front-wheel-drive vehicles,“ said Chris Ostrander, vice president and general manager – Eaton Torque Controls. “We’re focused on the customers’ most critical issue – smaller packaging. This allows our customers to reduce vehicle weight up to 300 lbs., which translates into improved fuel economy and enhanced performance and safety for the end consumer.”

The new UltraPosi™ differential is located inside the transaxle and it receives input from the existing brake, wheel-speed, steering-wheel, throttle, yaw and lateral acceleration sensors to ensure each wheel is receiving sufficient torque. In the event of slippage it instantaneously engages a hydraulic power supply to transfer extra torque to the wheel with the most traction by modulating the differential from fully open to fully locked, and anywhere in between, depending on driving conditions.

“Our testing has shown a 20-30 percent improvement in managing over-steer with less brake intervention compared to comparably equipped all-wheel drive vehicles,” said Ostrander.

Eaton is the world’s largest independent producer of torque controlling differentials for light duty truck and passenger car vehicle manufacturers, the automotive performance aftermarket, and commercial vehicle manufacturers. Its front-wheel-drive transaxle-mounted electronic locking differential (FWD ELocker™), an evolutionary adaptation of the original Eaton ELocker™, was recently awarded the 2009 Automotive News PACE Award honorable mention in the product category. The legendary Eaton Detroit Locker locking differential was inducted into the Hot Rod Magazine Speed Parts Hall of Fame in 2009 as well.

With sales of $2.6 billion in 2009 and 14,000 employees around the world, Eaton’s Vehicle Group supplies automotive and commercial vehicle manufacturers with cost-effective and environmentally-friendly technologies that help them use power more efficiently and meet the increasingly stringent demands for improved fuel economy and decreased emissions. Around the world, Eaton offers manual and automated transmissions, clutches, hybrid power and exhaust after-treatment systems for trucks, buses and agricultural equipment, as well as engine valvetrain components, torque control products, fluid conveyance components, superchargers, fuel emission valves, and powertrain controls.

Eaton Corporation is a diversified power management company with 2009 sales of $11.9 billion. Eaton is a global technology leader in electrical components and systems for power quality, distribution and control; hydraulics components, systems and services for industrial and mobile equipment; aerospace fuel, hydraulics and pneumatic systems for commercial and military use; and truck and automotive drivetrain and powertrain systems for performance, fuel economy and safety. Eaton has approximately 70,000 employees and sells products to customers in more than 150 countries. For more information, visit www.eaton.com.  
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