Introducing WAW

New All Wheel Drive
Road Racing Transaxle

The Weismann All Wheel (WAW) transaxle was designed by Chris Weismann for the K-Pax Volvo World Speed Challenge team. WAW incorporates several innovative ideas to maximize the potential of this new radical 4WD car!

One of the most innovative features is the front differential. It is mounted on the centerline of the car. This enable the car to have 9" longer front axles than they had previously, as well as both being equal in length - i.e. there is no jack shaft running to the right side of the car. The distance from cv flange to cv flange is 8.00"! The idea is made possible by modifying a concept that Pat Weismann came up with for the McLaren F1 Supercar.

The transaxle also features a unique quick change cover and gear set accessible while the transaxle is in the car to change the overall ratio from track to track. The input shaft can also be removed at the same time if needed.

Another novel feature is the "Weismann Center Locker" created for the Lasso 6x6 Military Vehicles, that eliminates the common 70/30 split planetary and viscous center differentials resulting in a tremendous weight and rotational mass savings. The unique torque sensing "Weisman Center Locker" mechanically and instantly biases torque between the front and rear wheels proportional to the traction available to the respective pair of wheels.

It is a 6 speed, sequentially shifted through a direct shaft linkage from the shift handle running down the center of the car. It can be converted to our semi-automatic control shift system easily.

The WAW has all the usual "Weismann Extras" designed into it. It has a very low CG and polar moment, but the majority of the gearbox weight positioned around 4" behind the crank and a low as possible. Of course it is dry-sumped and utilizes the famous "Weismann Trash Pump".

Designed tough, it is rated for 800 hp turbo-charged power, yet is very compact. The left most side of the transaxle is within the frame rails, while the block face of the 5 cylinder engine is only 4 inches to the left of center of the vehicle.