Xtrac readies e-axle for Rallycross racing

For any motorsport engineering supplier tempted to carry its highly specialist expertise along the winding and often hazardous road to production vehicles, the journey can be fraught with nasty surprises. But some peel off to travel an alternative route to ensure that its technology takes it to a different and influential destination that nevertheless will influence OEM high-volume development. The United Kingdom's Xtrac is one of them.

A significant player in the design and manufacture of transmission systems and driveline components for top-level professional race and rally teams, Xtrac is increasingly connected to the emerging world of high-performance hybrids and electric vehicles (EVs) - on both road and track. Bridging the two, in particular via electrified racing and rallying, is now a significant part of Xtrac's programs, said CEO Adrian Moore, interviewed by Automotive Engineering about the first electric-powered cars to compete in the 2021 to 2024 FIA World Rallycross Championship.