Huntingdon-based
Titan, a leader in advanced electric steering systems for lower-volume manufacturers, has launched a ‘state of the art’ steer-by-wire system, offering makers of next-generation models, from electric hypercars to automated trucks, the ultimate in high-performance, bespoke steering solutions.
From its origins in the development of pioneering racing cars in the 1960s, Titan has established itself as a world-class design, engineering and manufacturing company, supplying the automotive industry with the highest precision components for the most advanced drivetrains, chassis systems and internal combustion engines.
Carving out a particular specialism in globally-leading steering solutions, Titan has supplied systems for the world’s most revered and iconic sports cars, to top-level motorsport teams, as well as unique solutions tailored for the very latest electric commercial vehicles.
Offering the complete portfolio of advanced high-performance steering systems and a world leader in electric steering for lower-volume manufacturers, Titan today reveals its by-wire breakthrough, which has been designed to meet surging demand from fast-growing lower-volume manufacturers who need a bespoke system for a wide spectrum of next-generation vehicles.
Titan CEO George Lendrum, CEO said: “Titan’s flexibility and in-house expertise means we occupy a unique position in the marketplace versus more traditional large Tier One suppliers, which do not cater for the specific needs of lower-volume manufacturers when it comes to electric steering systems. Thanks to our focused engineering structure and motorsport ethos, we can provide a manufacturer, whether a new EV startup or established OEM (original equipment manufacturer), with a completely bespoke by-wire steering system incredibly quickly. One that is completely tuneable by the customer to the specific needs of their vehicle — be that an electric hypercar, delivery truck or an automated vehicle.”
Titan’s new steer-by-wire system is the result of a meticulous R&D process undertaken at the company’s headquarters in Cambridgeshire. Like all of Titan’s high-tech steering systems — the company offers the full product range, from manual steering, to hydraulic power steering and electric power steering (EPAS) — the all-new by-wire system is designed, developed and manufactured completely in-house, rooted in intellectual property solely-owned by Titan itself.
For its next-generation steer-by-wire system, Titan has developed a completely bespoke electric motor, which it manufactures in-house alongside the entire steering system, and a bespoke electronic control system too, biased to 48 volts, with both systems enabling optimum performance and, equally as importantly, infinite tuneability.
Paul Wilkinson, Titan’s technical director, said: “Our in-house developed technology optimises the relationship between the motor and the control system, resulting in a by-wire system that sets new standards. Combined with Titan’s approach, which sees us work closely with every customer, the system is a highly tune-able toolbox, enabling lower-volume next-gen vehicle makers to calibrate steering responses exactly to application, whether an EV hypercar or electric truck, resulting in just the right ‘feel’ for the driver. What is more, thanks to the company’s in-house expertise, we can close the loop, taking a system from clean-sheet design to full industrialisation under one roof, and do so rapidly to the very highest levels of quality.”
As well as being completely tuneable for individual applications, the company’s new by-wire system is also scalable and optimised for particularly challenging packaging requirements, while Titan’s experience in precision manufacturing means it can create anything from a first prototype to a final production run with unparalleled quality at lower-volume. All of Titan’s steering systems are bespoke-designed for lower-volume applications, catering for one-offs to 100 unit/month volumes, with production times for initial prototypes measured in days, not months.
George Lendrum, CEO of Titan, concluded: “This new by-wire system builds on the reputation Titan has forged in designing, developing and precision manufacturing the world’s leading electric steering systems for the automotive industry. This advanced, ‘state of the art’ system, combined with our inherent flexibility, uniquely positions Titan as the ‘go-to’ lower-volume steering supplier for manufacturers of next-generation vehicles, whatever the application.”