The H-Gate Gearbox Resurgence

For more than 60 years, Hewland Engineering has been supplying clients with advanced, high-specification transmissions for the motorsport and high-performance automotive markets. Whether it’s automatic or manual, electrified or traditional, or for use in motorsport, aviation, defence or automotive, Hewland’s innovation can be seen in its tailored transmissions, no matter the application.

A notable recent development has been the resurgence of the H-gate transmission for use in high-performance cars both classic and modern. In contrast to a general market trend seeing automatic transmissions offered as the primary option in road cars, advanced supercars and resto-mod clients are looking for exceptional H-gate transmissions to help customers feel engaged with the driving experience.

It might be that the transmission is a clean-sheet design, working with OEM partners to build a bespoke transmission, capable of delivering high power and torque to drive axles in an engaging way. It could be a modification of an existing design, made lighter and more efficient. Completely new versions of a classic gearbox, built to exact specifications, with upgraded materials and new components to pair seamlessly with a period powertrain are also increasingly popular.

Thanks to Hewland’s design, testing and manufacturing capabilities, all of the above are possible, leading development as a Tier 1 supplier to the most exacting standards. With teams established in-house, optimisation is possible on short timelines, thanks to Hewland’s agile motorsport heritage, reducing lead times whilst continuing to offer world-class transmissions.