Audi and BMW to utilize 8-speed gearboxes to take on Lexus

[bmer]

It seems GM Strasbourg has been supplying BMW transmissions since 1991?

As I understand for selected models only. For example the world's first 6-speed automatic (in passenger car) that debuted in the E65 7 Series in 2001 was made by ZF.

For the last few years BMW has mostly been using transmissions from ZF Friedrichshafen and Getrag.

 

[klier]

As I understand for selected models only. For example the world's first 6-speed automatic (in passenger car) that debuted in the E65 7 Series in 2001 was made by ZF.

For the last few years BMW has mostly been using transmissions from ZF Friedrichshafen and Getrag.

Yes, selected models only. I really wonder what's going to happen with the X1 now..maybe the new 8 speed then??

Applications:

6L45

2007– BMW X3 – 3.0si / 2.5si / 3.0i
2007– BMW 3 series – 330(x)i / 328(x)i / 325(x)i / 323i / 320i / 318i / 316i
2007– BMW 1 series – 130i / 128i / 125i / 120i / 118i / 116i
2009– BMW X1 – 2.8i xDrive
6L50
2006– Cadillac STS-V
2007– Cadillac STS
2007– Cadillac SRX
2008– Cadillac CTS
2009– Holden VE Commodore / Holden VE Berlina / Holden VE Calais / Chevrolet Lumina
2009– Holden WM Statesman / Holden WM Caprice / Chevrolet Caprice / Daewoo Veritas

 

[See Ya]

The number of gears in your luxo-barge has much more to do with marketing than it has to do with performance.

I agree as is the case with so many "gimmicks" they come out with.

Unfortunately, because consumers are what they are, not the sharpest tool in the shed, other car companies have to offer the same to keep up with silly consumer wants.

 

[ctsurewin]

Anyone know why bmw 7-series (except 760) doesn't get the 8 spped gearbox while the 5er does?

 

[klier]

It came too early is my guess. Next year model update should take car of that...

 

[Wolfgang]

Autocar confirmed MB's nine-speed auto plans.


Merc plans nine-speed auto'

Mercedes is working on a nine-speed automatic gearbox, according to senior engineering sources.

The new ‘box will be introduced on large-capacity engines, our sources claimed.

The ‘box is said to offer huge improvements in fuel economy and CO2 emissions, but development of gearboxes with more than nine ratios is unlikely.

Mercedes engineers believe nine ratios is the maximum that is technically possible, as well as being the most that customers will be able to cope with.

Merc plans nine-speed auto' - Autocar.co.uk

 

[Wolfgang]

maybe also of interest? claimed to be the first commercial vehicle DCT?

Mitsubishi Fuso Malaysia | Truck | Lorry : Driving Your Business

 

[footie]

maybe also of interest? claimed to be the first commercial vehicle DCT?

Mitsubishi Fuso Malaysia | Truck | Lorry : Driving Your Business

Interesting, yes but I reckon Torotrak's IVT transmission will eventually tie up this sector, if not the entire automatic transmission market.

 

[Wolfgang]

Chrysler to be 'major' customer for ZF's new 9-speed transmission

ZF, the international supplier of automotive powertrain and chassis components, expects to triple sales in the United States, said executive vice president Michael Paul this morning at the North American International Auto Show.

Groundbreaking for a new transmission plant in Greenville, S.C., is scheduled for Feb. 11. The plant will make a new nine-speed transmission for front-drive vehicles, offering a "double-digit" fuel economy increase as compared to current six-speed units, Paul said.

DETNEWS | Weblogs | Auto Show Blog

 

[Wolfgang]

ZF reveals some details.

ZF Develops 9-Speed Automatic Transmission for Passenger Cars

• Development of the world's first 9-speed automatic passenger car transmission
• Significant improvements in fuel economy expected

Under high pressure - ZF is working on the development of new fuel-efficient transmission generations. The latest innovation: an entirely new automatic passenger car transmission, developed with 9 gears for vehicles with a transverse engine.

Already at the IAA 2009 (International Motor Show) in Frankfurt, Germany, ZF presented a concept study for front-transverse transmissions which has entered serial development now. Approximately 80 percent of all passenger cars worldwide feature a transverse engine installation. ZF is developing a state-of-the-art automatic transmission for this type of engine installation, which will significantly improve fuel economy. All around the world, new customer segments will be conquered with this transmission. Transmission production has been scheduled for Greenville, SC, USA.

Fuel economy and increased performance

With its 9-speed automatic transmission for vehicles with transverse installed engines, ZF will once again establish a benchmark in terms of fuel consumption. Compared to today's standard 6-speed automatic transmissions for front-transverse design, ZF's new 9-speed automatic transmission clearly improves both driving performance and fuel economy. The modern shock absorber systems in the torque converter, which make a rapid lock-up of the converter clutch possible, also mean better fuel economy and lower CO₂emissions.

Just like the 8-speed automatic transmission for longitudinal installation, the new 9-speed front-transverse transmission ensures that the extremely short response and shifting times are clearly below the threshold of perception. This means that double shifts and direct multiple gearshifts are also made possible. Thus, the new transmission system is equipped with the same 'sporty genes' as already its 8-speed automatic transmission predecessors; in conjunction with the excellent shift comfort characteristics, they certainly entail ultimate customer satisfaction.

http://www.zf.com/corporate/en/press/press_releases/press_release.jsp?newsId=21795176

 

[Merc1]

WOW, move over LED race...now the transmission war is on. Mercedes, now ZF. When will it end, what number of gears?


M

 

[Beemer B773ER]

Props to Mercedes for opting to develop the transmission in-house rather than simply outsourcing from ZF.

 

[bum-man]

^ I don't know if they also do the FWD transmission architecture for the A and B-classes themselves. But I think it would be smart for them to get a hold of that new FWD transmission from ZF if it does deliver on its promises.

I'm totally for them developing their own transmission (something a lot of automakers do not do these days). But I think outsourcing manual, performance, and FWD transmissions would help them stay very competitive.

 

[Merc1]

I agree. They especially need to come up with a different transmission for the Smart. ASAP.


M