American Axle & Manufacturing Expands R&D in Off-Road Racing to Build Better Products
October 23 2007 - 8:30AM
PR Newswire (US)
AAPEX Show Booth #1458 DETROIT, Oct. 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --
American Axle & Manufacturing (AAM) Holdings, Inc., which is
traded as AXL on the NYSE, today announced an expansion of its
efforts to utilize off-road racing as a research and development
testing tool. Starting this fall, AAM will be supplying parts to
legendary racer, Rod Hall, and Team Hummer in their quest to reach
victory lane in the SCORE-International Off-Road Racing Series and
the 40th annual Baja 1000. AAM gathers data from three key race
series: -- SCORE and its Desert Racing Series with Team Hummer --
Championship Off-Road Racing (CORR) in Pro-4 class pickups -- World
Series of Off-Road Racing (WSORR) in Pro-4 class pickups AAM uses
off-road race testing to improve its original equipment (OE),
aftermarket and prototype parts focusing on dynamics and vehicle
handling engineering. The race series allow AAM to gather valuable
non-traditional product research data in harsh environments and
track configurations. AAM and Team Hummer: A Winning Team For Team
Hummer's H2 driven by Josh Hall, AAM supplies 4.10 PowerDense(TM)
gear sets in front 9.25-inch open and TracRite(R) GT helical axle
differentials. The rear features an AAM 9.5-inch axle with 4.10
PowerDense(TM) gear set. The TracRite(R) GT features a torque
sensitive design that instantaneously biases torque before
differentiation begins. It can be used with or without a feature
that pre-loads the gears. TracRite(R) axle differentials are
designed to improve performance and handling characteristics in
virtually any driving condition. AAM also produces the front and
rear axle assemblies of the production version of the H2. The
entire driveline is designed for maximum off-road performance with
enhanced traction, stability, handling, durability and NVH
characteristics. The production H2 has an AAM PowerLite(R)
independent aluminum front axle and five-link rear suspension drive
axle utilizing PowerDense(TM) gear sets. AAM gear sets are hobbed
rather than face-milled to create more surface area and equal tooth
depth. The gear teeth are generated simultaneously with uniform
tooth spacing. The H2 also features AAM front and rear driveshafts.
For Team Hummer's H3 driven by Rod Hall, AAM supplies its 7.6-inch
front axle with a 4.56 PowerDense(TM) gear set. Like the H2, the
production H3 features a PowerLite(R) front independent aluminum
front axle that is also in the Chevrolet Colorado and the GMC
Canyon. The H3 also features an AAM cast iron rear axle and front
and rear driveshafts. CORR and WSORR Pro-4 Racing: Right on Track
AAM's 9.25-inch front open axle differential and 9.25-inch
TracRite(R) GT helical axle differential are used by several race
teams in the Championship Off-Road Racing (CORR) and World Series
of Off-Road Racing (WSORR) series. These differentials, modified
versions of OE differentials that are featured on the popular GMC
Sierra HD and Chevrolet 2500/3500 HD trucks, are housed in AAM's
PowerLite(R) aluminum axle case housing. About AAM Aftermarket AAM
Aftermarket sets the industry benchmark in providing its customers
with OE axle and driveshaft parts for sport utility vehicles and
light duty trucks. It provides high quality, reliability,
durability and performance in every aftermarket part it sells. It
offers complete program and product management, a dedicated
distribution center, world-class order fulfillment, extensive
distributor network and a knowledgeable staff providing technical,
product and sales support. For more information on AAM Aftermarket
products and services, visit the Internet at http://www.aam.com/ or
call 1-800-299-AXLE. About AAM AAM is a world leader in the
manufacture, engineering, design and validation of driveline and
drivetrain systems and related components and modules, chassis
systems and metal-formed products for light trucks, sport utility
vehicles and passenger cars. In addition to locations in the United
States (Indiana, Michigan, New York and Ohio), AAM also has offices
or facilities in Brazil, China, Germany, India, Japan, Luxembourg,
Mexico, Poland, South Korea and the United Kingdom. Certain
statements contained in this press release which are not historical
facts contain forward-looking information with respect to the
Company's plans, projections or future performance, the occurrence
of which involves risk and uncertainties that could cause the
company's actual results or plans to differ materially from those
expected by the company which include risk factors described in the
Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. For
more information... Renee B. Rogers Manager, Communications &
Media Relations (313) 758-4882 Or visit the AAM website at
http://www.aam.com/ DATASOURCE: American Axle & Manufacturing
Holdings, Inc. CONTACT: Renee B. Rogers, Manager, Communications
& Media Relations, American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings,
Inc., +1-313-758-4882, Web site: http://www.aam.com/ Company News
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