In collaboration with the Italian vehicle manufacturer Pagani, Conflux Technology has developed a performance-optimized heat exchanger for the transmission of the new Utopia hypercar. The cooperation focused on the challenge of improving heat management under high mechanical and thermal loads – especially when operating the specially developed Xtrac seven-speed gearbox, which can be shifted either manually or automatically.
The Pagani Utopia is powered by a biturbo V12 engine from Mercedes-AMG. The thermal stress in the transmission circuit posed a particular challenge. To overcome this, an additively manufactured heat exchanger was designed, which achieves around 30 percent higher heat dissipation than conventional solutions. The component was manufactured using metal 3D printing, making it possible to create complex geometries that would not be possible using conventional methods.
“It is a great privilege to contribute to the development of ground-breaking vehicles for industry-leading companies like Pagani,” says Michael Fuller, founder and CEO of Conflux Technology. “Our advanced heat exchangers take efficiency to a whole new level and fit perfectly with the masterpieces of engineering craftsmanship for which Pagani is renowned. This collaboration is a prime example of the successful interplay of precision, innovation and excellence.
For Conflux, the collaboration represents a further step in the industrialization of its Conflux Production Systems. The recently completed AUD 11 million funding round will be used to expand manufacturing capacity for aerospace, motorsport and defense applications.
“Conflux’s innovative technology has enabled Xtrac to set new standards in transmission performance without compromising on the light weight and motorsport-derived philosophy of our transmission solutions,” said Oliver Nixon, Head of High Performance Automotive at Xtrac.
“With Conflux’s advanced heat transfer technology, the Pagani Utopia achieves excellent heat dissipation, ensuring optimal thermal balance even under extreme driving conditions,” says Francesco Perini, Head of Engineering at Pagani. “Since perfection is our ultimate goal, every detail matters. The Conflux cartridge heat exchangers are the epitome of precision and innovation. They play a key role in ensuring that the Utopia offers a pleasant driving experience at all times – whether on a romantic drive along the French Riviera or on a challenging race track.”
The use of additive manufacturing not only enables greater functionality, but also targeted weight optimization. In a vehicle class where thermal management is directly linked to performance, reliability and efficiency, the partnership between Conflux, Pagani and Xtrac demonstrates how high-end engineering can be combined with modern manufacturing technology.
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