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.

Gear Installation

Projects

Hyundai I20 N Rally2 Car

Development of hybrid 4wd transmission

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Element Hero

Ricardo announces launch of Element modular transmission range for decarbonised propulsion systems

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DS Penske Formula E 1920X1080

The opportunities and challenges of motorsport’s shift to standardisation

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Transmission 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 CAD

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 Assembly

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.

Etched Transmission Case

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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ChemUK 2025

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Hazmat 2025: the ultimate forum for hazmat professionals

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Hazardous Materials First Responder

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Meet the experts

James Sundler

James Sundler

Business Development Director

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Steve Blevins

Steve Blevins

Head of Engineering for Motorsport

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Stuart Cooper

Stuart Cooper

Market Head - Motorsport

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Tony Golland

Tony Golland

Market Head - Defence

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Related markets

Contact us about your bespoke transmission requirements

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