A new constant velocity joint (CVJ) technology “countertrack” could be the key to significant fuel savings, according to GKN Driveline.

GKN cited independent engineering analysis showing that the countertrack technology boosts fuel economy by an average of 0.2mpg US on a typical front-wheel drive mid-size vehicle and this in turn results in carbon dioxide (CO2) savings of around 1g/km. In the case of special vehicle segments such as SUVs, emission reductions have been recorded as high as 3g/km.

The CVJs allow the transmission of power through a variable angle at a constant rotational speed. These are used on both ends of the front-wheel drive axle shafts as well as on other vehicle applications.

It is also believed that they can achieve significant weight savings of as much as 29 per cent – around 9lbs.

Currently, driveshafts are based on designs from Alfred Rzeppa in the mid 1930s and although they have been modified and improved, they have basically retained the same design for 70 years.

Now by combining sets of opposed tracks with a specific track shape profile for operating angles, new levels of performance can be achieved. Countertrack technology also results in finely tuned driveshafts for each platform and powertrain combination.

The first production vehicles using this technology will appear in the market later this year with three million expected to be manufactured in 2010.