Bespoke transmission solutions
Design and niche volume manufacture of custom, high-end transmissions and gearboxes
Ricardo is a world-leader in the design and manufacture of gearbox and transmission solutions for motorsport and performance automotive. We create custom solutions optimised to the requirements of our client's high performance and specialised platforms.
Complete transmission development programmes for performance applications
Ricardo specialises in the design and manufacture of driveline solutions for high performance and specialised applications. Our extensive experience of delivering high quality optimised transmissions to the motorsport and high-performance industry makes us the partner of choice for the provision of quality, cost-effective turnkey gearboxes and transmissions that can be tailored to suit any kind of propulsion system including traditional ICE, electric vehicle, and hydrogen.
Ricardo’s specialised technicians and engineers have a wealth of knowledge and experience in world-class design and manufacturing techniques, which minimises the overall project risk in terms of time, cost and reliability.
Projects
Development of hybrid 4wd transmission
Read case studyRicardo announces launch of Element modular transmission range for decarbonised propulsion systems
Read press releaseThe opportunities and challenges of motorsport’s shift to standardisation
Read insightTransmission design and engineering
Ricardo's transmission specialists have decades of experience in developing novel solutions to some of the most challenging technical and packaging design briefs.
Our experts think outside of the box to develop optimised driveline and transmission solutions bespoke to the client's requirements. They are equipped with access to advanced digital engineering and simulation technology which enables the team to work as efficiently as possible, whether they are designing from a clean sheet or building on a client's existing design.
Our experts take an end-to-end approach to our transmission design programmes. Our design engineers work closely with our production, manufacturing, and supply chain experts to ensure that value is built into the finished design. All our solutions are developed with cost-effective and efficient manufacture in mind, without compromising on the quality of the finished product.
Transmission manufacturing and assembly
Our transmission experts have extensive experience in highly regulated industries where delivering high-end technical products in short lead times is the norm. This enables us to deliver quality assured products manufactured to meet even the most challenging project timings without compromise.
Our in-house manufacturing facility is capable of producing every element of a high performance transmission. It includes advanced CNC machinery and precision conventional tools and processes which give our skilled engineers complete control over every element of their manufacture. From precision gear manufacturing with high levels of complexity and tight tolerances to intricate prismatic machined components.
Quality, reliability and value are at the heart of our production processes. All of our manufacturing operations are subject to strict quality management controls. We hold ISO 9001:2015 and AS9100D, demonstrating our commitment to delivering components which adhere to strict industry standards and regulatory controls.
Transmission prototype and development programmes
Ricardo's comprehensive prototyping solutions are helping our clients to bring the next generation of high-performance vehicle to market.
We offer rapid design and development support which includes consideration of value engineering and design for manufacture principles to facilitate smooth transition to series supply.
Our manufacturing experts apply their specialised knowledge to build prototype units in batch quantities to support your development programme. All components are manufactured and supplied to the same quality and levels of precision our clients expect of our series supply programmes.
Why Ricardo?
True end-to-end capability
True end-to-end capability across the full product development cycle, from concept, through design and into quality assured series production including spares and warranty management
Validation approaches to suit development budgets
Validation approaches to suit development budgets from full scale multi sample OEM programmes to right-first time, expedited motorsport delivery
Support for all propulsion systems
Support for a diverse range of platforms including traditional ICE, hybrid and electrified propulsion systems
Flexible capability
Fully flexible capability for the development of AMT, DCT, manual, and hybrid driveline products for high performance and specialised applications
Quality aligned to your brand signature
Superior ‘feel’ and acoustic signature design developed to our clients’ brand requirements with improved NVH, providing the premium automotive driving experience
Bespoke solutions
Bespoke solutions and niche volume manufacturing allowing customers to completely customise and optimise to the requirements of the platform
Bespoke transmission solutions Resources
Hazardous Materials Advisor - June 2025
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Read eventSETAC 2025
Read eventMeet the experts
James Sundler
Business Development Director
Steve Blevins
Head of Engineering for Motorsport
Stuart Cooper
Market Head - Motorsport
Tony Golland
Market Head - Defence
Contact us about your bespoke transmission requirements
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