Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Next-gen GM six-speed automatic to boost mileage another 5 percent ]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/14/next-gen-gm-6-speed-automatic-to-boost-mileage-another-5-percent/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/14/next-gen-gm-6-speed-automatic-to-boost-mileage-another-5-percent/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/14/next-gen-gm-6-speed-automatic-to-boost-mileage-another-5-percent/#commentsFiled under:

It's only been a year since General Motors launched its 6T40 six-speed automatic transmission for mid-size and compact cars. When it was introduced, this new transmission brought with it a five percent bump in fuel efficiency. The engineers at GM Powertrain are now developing a second generation variant of the 6T40 for introduction in 2011 that will bump fuel efficiency by yet another five percent.

The new version will have updated electronic control strategies based on the work done for the new 2011 Chevy Equinox with the four-cylinder engine. The Equinox manages a 32 mpg highway rating. These new controls developed for the Equinox will contribute three percent of the improvement for 2012 models like the Cruze compact.

Another two percent improvement will come from refinements to the guts of the transmission. Changes to the hydraulic valve body, friction plates and variable flow solenoid will cut internal pumping losses and friction.

GM is also working on its own in-house developed dual clutch transmissions. GMPT is developing a dry clutch system that should yield another incremental improvement in efficiency, but no announcement was forthcoming about timing.

[Source: General Motors]

Next-gen GM six-speed automatic to boost mileage another 5 percent originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Aug 2009 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>6-speed automatic6-speedAutomaticfuel economyFuelEconomygeneral motorsGeneralMotorsgmtransmissiontransmission improvementsTransmissionImprovementstransmissionsFri, 14 Aug 2009 16:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19129667/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/08/14/next-gen-gm-6-speed-automatic-to-boost-mileage-another-5-percent/19129667/article-detail.xml 19129667 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2009/08/next-gen-6t40_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2009/08/next-gen-6t40.jpg <![CDATA[Audi and BMW to utilize 8-speed gearboxes to take on Lexus]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/12/audi-and-bmw-to-utilize-8-speed-gearboxes-to-take-on-lexus/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/12/audi-and-bmw-to-utilize-8-speed-gearboxes-to-take-on-lexus/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/12/audi-and-bmw-to-utilize-8-speed-gearboxes-to-take-on-lexus/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

As we reported last month, it appears BMW and Audi, following the lead of Lexus, will begin to offer eight-speed automatic transmissions in their flagship models. Sources are now saying the transmission will be supplied by ZF Friedrichshafen, a familiar German supplier to both marques. Although we don't know all of the specifics, Audi is expected to debut the new slushbox in the range-topping A8 sedan, Q7 SUV, and their future A7 premium model. BMW will likely debut the new gearbox in their premium 7-Series sedan and the X6 Sport Activity Vehicle, according to company sources.

The current Audi A8 and BMW 7-Series both use six-speed automatics. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class utilizes a seven-speed automatic of their own design, while Lexus debuted their eight-speed transmission in the LS 460. Increasing the number of forward gears offers advantages in smoothness, acceleration, and improves fuel efficiency. Lower fuel consumption equates to reduced emissions, helping the powerful models meet increasingly stringent air quality standards in Europe and the United States.

[Source: Automotive News, subs. req'd]

Audi and BMW to utilize 8-speed gearboxes to take on Lexus originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 May 2008 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>6-speed automatic6-speedAutomatic7-speed automatic7-speedAutomatic8-speed automatic8-speedAutomaticeight-speedseven-speedsix-speedzf automatic transmi...ZF Friedrichshafenzf transmissionzf transmissionsZfAutomaticTransmi...ZfFriedrichshafenZfTransmissionZfTransmissionsMon, 12 May 2008 14:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1192581/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2008/05/12/audi-and-bmw-to-utilize-8-speed-gearboxes-to-take-on-lexus/1192581/article-detail.xml 1192581 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/05/8-speed_zf_opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/05/8-speed_zf_opt.jpg <![CDATA[VW Polo gets a 6-speed auto]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/24/vw-polo-gets-a-6-speed-auto/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/24/vw-polo-gets-a-6-speed-auto/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/24/vw-polo-gets-a-6-speed-auto/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



In what's being touted as a first-in-class application of the technology, Volkswagen now offers a 6-speed automatic transmission in its Polo small car. Mated to the company's 1.6L 4-cylinder, VW states that the 6-speed Tiptronic's gearing is configured to maximize refinement and that the driving experience feels closer to that of one of their mid-level vehicles.

In addition to the usual P-R-N-D, the Tiptronic's gear selector also gets an "S" added. When this Sport mode is chosen, shifts occur at higher revolutions and 6th gear is not used at all, as the car hits its top end in 5th. Naturally, the driver can also choose to shift manually if that's his or her wish.

The Polo's fuel economy rating with the new drivetrain setup is 7.4L/100km - a little over 31 mpg.

More details in the press release after the jump.

[Source: VW via German Car Blog]

Continue reading VW Polo gets a 6-speed auto

VW Polo gets a 6-speed auto originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Aug 2006 13:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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