New Zytek EGS electric gearshift system

"Electric power is the ideal solution to the problem of fast, reliable gearshifts in race conditions," said chief engineer Aidan Gregory, "but the need for sophisticated energy management and delivery has proved a barrier to implementation in the past. Now we've been able to apply knowledge gained from our electric vehicle programmes to make a robust, flexible and easily integrated solution."

Zytek says that the precise movement of the electric actuators means that there is very little wear on the gear selector mechanism and dog-rings, extending gearbox life and improving reliability and shifting accuracy. The fully electric approach removes the need for a separate hydraulic or pneumatic system, reducing vehicle mass and complexity. Once fitted, the system is said to be essentially maintenance-free. There is no potential for leakage of air or hydraulic fluid.

The EGS operates using fast-acting solenoids. A double-acting solenoid actuates the gearshift (twin single actuators can also be used if preferred or made necessary by installation constraints), while a single-acting solenoid provides a throttle 'blip' function. The driver operates the system using steering wheel mounted shift paddles, with separate push-button switches to select reverse and neutral. Both upshifts and downshifts are effected without the need to operate the clutch, which is only required for launch or for the selection of reverse gear or neutral.

Potential applications for the EGS include most motor racing series and, in particular, one-make formulae in which simple installation and low maintenance are especially important. Zytek is currently involved in negotiations with a number of series organisers.

The Zytek EGS has already successfully completed its first public outing on the Zytek 04S sports-prototype in the Monza 1000 round of the Le Mans Endurance Series earlier this year. It will be used on the same car in the weekend's Le Mans 24 Hours.