Porsche has awarded GKN Driveline ‘technology partner’ status for its development of a high-performance eAxle for the 918 Spyder plug-in hybrid super-car. The eAxle provides a boost to the main power unit.

Porsche power-train manager Christian Hauck said: “Realising our vision for a super-sports car capable of setting a record lap time at the Nurburgring and achieving a fuel efficiency of three litres per 100km placed huge demands on our engineers and suppliers. GKN Driveline’s role in the development programme and its innovative eAxle module has earned the company Porsche ‘technology partner’ status.”

The eAxle that supplements the 918 Spyder’s ‘hybridised’ 4.6-litre V8 has a maximum power of 95kW and can deliver up to 1500Nm of torque to the front wheels via a fixed gear ratio.

A specially developed compact differential engages the torque seamlessly, giving the 918 Spyder optimum power distribution at all times. The differential also disengages the module to minimise drag losses and maximise efficiency.