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ZF Introduces New Drivetrain Technologies

ZF, one of the world's leading drivetrain component suppliers has recentlydeveloped two new devices that are destined to change the automotive world one car at a time.

8-Speed Automatic

Many of the world's top luxury and performance brands rely on ZF's 6HP26 6-speed automatic transmission, including the BMW 5, 6 and 7-Series, Audi A8 and S6, Bentley Continental, Jaguar XJ/XK, Maserati Quattroporte Automatica and many others. Since the launch of the gearbox in 2000, several other gearbox innovations have occurred including the introduction of the Borg-Warner-designed twin-clutch (DSG) gearbox, Mercedes-Benz's 7GTronic automatic as well as the recent introduction of the Lexus 8-Speed automatic transmission.

With its new 8-speed gearbox, ZF has been able to cut back fuel

ZF's new 8-speed autobox is designed to work with hybrids and AWD. It's also 6-percent more efficient than its old 6-speed. (Photo: ZF)

consumption by roughly 6-percent on average over its own second-generation six-speed auto, without detracting fromthe shift quality or shift performance. Compared to a regular, run of the mill five-speed automatic, which many cars still utilize, ZF claims an average of 14-percent fuel reduction. What enables the engine to be more efficient is a new gear set and shift element, which reduce drag loss in operation. The gearbox was designed to be compatible with ZF's future products, and has the capability to work without redesign for all-wheel drive and hybrid applications down the road. Finally,

BMW's next generation 7-Series is expected to receive this gearbox first (current 7-Series shown). (Photo: BMW)

the icing on the cake is that it's the same size as the 6-speed automatic, yet uses fewer components. The next-generation BMW 7-Series is expected to debut with the new ZF 8-speed automatic.

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