ZF Technology Develops 9-Speed Automatic Transmission for Passenger Cars - COMPLETE VIDEO
SEE ALSO: 2011 Detroit Auto Show Press Pass Coverage
DETROIT - January 11, 2011; ZF has developed the world's first 9-speed automatic transmission for vehicles equipped with a transversely mounted engine. It will be built in a new, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility near Greenville, South Carolina.
"Already a leader in technically advanced, fuel-saving multi-speed transmissions for rear-drive vehicles, ZF's new 9-speed enables significant fuel economy improvements and delivers excellent performance characteristics for front-wheel-drive vehicles," said Hans-Georg Harter, ZF's President and CEO.
Groundbreaking for the new South Carolina factory takes place next month. Production and application details will be released later.
Fuel economy and increased performance
Compared to conventional 6-speed automatic transmissions for front-drive
platforms, ZF's new 9-speed automatic transmission enhances driving
performance and fuel economy. An advanced shock absorber system in the
torque converter, for example, allows rapid lock up of the converter
clutch, enabling greater fuel economy and lower carbon dioxide
emissions.
Click PLAY to watch the complete ZF Press Conference
Similar to ZF's 8-speed automatic transmission used in rear-drive platforms, the new 9-speed delivers extremely short response and shifting times that are below the threshold of perception. That means double shifts and direct multiple gearshifts occur without the driver or passenger noticing.
Sophisticated electronic controls select the right gear for the driving conditions, eliminating unnecessary "stepping" – or constant shifting. In this regard, the 9-speed carries the same precise, sporty attributes found in ZF's transmissions for rear-drive vehicles, including excellent shift characteristics, immediate response to input and exceptional smoothness.