Detailed vehicle, engine, and gearbox assessment, including the strip down of sub-assemblies, occurs during this research and development process, which relies on the close interaction and exchange of information between Quaife management, design and commercial staff to create an outline set of product requirements that drive the initial working concept.
For example, market demand may be for an in-line six-speed sequential gearbox that installs into a Mk1 Ford Escort or Caterham without requiring bodywork modifications, yet can transmit 375 bhp. Alternatively, the objective could be a sequential gearkit for the Toyota engined Lotus Elise that requires the re-use of the original gear casing, or a reversing box for a motorcycle engined vehicle.
These diverse projects require a wide variety of practical, mathematical, commercial and design inputs across numerous specialities. This is where Quaife excels, particularly when faced with the limitations of compressed timescales and restricted resources.
Our most recent project was the acquisition of a Ford Focus Mk3 RS. Having the vehicle in our Sevenoaks site and access to our two post lift, we have been able to completely develop inhouse the QBE46Z sequential gearbox with superb efficiency.
We have also purchased a Caterham 420R which has enabled us to develop the renowned QBE60G. As the 60G has been out for a number of years, we have listened to customer suggestions on how the product can be improved. Paired with our continuous research and development plan, the 60G will always be at the forefront of what’s possible.