First 6-Speed Automatic Debuts; May Go To Audi - Brief Article

Automotive Industries,  Oct, 1999  by Lindsay Brooke

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The first 6-speed automatic transmission for large passenger cars and light trucks was shown by ZF at the recent Frankfurt Auto Show. Designed for rear-drive and awd layouts, and capable of handling up to 442 foot-pounds of torque, the transmission will enter production in late 2002, says Dr. Gerhard Wagner, ZF's group vice-president for car transmissions.

Wagner won't divulge which automaker will be first to use the new 6-speed. However, industry analysts with future product details predict it will appear on the Audi A8, which is slated for a total redesign in the 2003 model year. That car is expected to resemble the Concept D1, the V-10 turbodiesel-powered sedan that was shown (wearing VW badges) at Frankfurt.

Wagner claims ZF developed the transmission without solicitation from any automaker. "We see continuing pressures of increased fuel economy and lower emissions facing the larger cars," he tells AI. "We took the idea (of a 6-speed) around the industry, and they were very receptive."

For reduced fuel consumption, the 6-speed has a taller top-gear ratio and Standby Control (SBC), which decouples the torque coverter at idle.

The 6-speed is a totally new design, aimed at lower cost manufacture. It features fewer parts than the company's 5HP2A 5-speed automatic, and a single aluminum housing, instead of multiple cases. It weighs 180 pounds -- 13% less than the 5-speed

Over the next few years, ZF will change to 6-speed automatics for all high-torque (from 221 to 550 foot-pound) applications.

COPYRIGHT 1999 Cahners Publishing Company
COPYRIGHT 2000 Gale Group