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Chrysler plans eight-speed automatic production in Indiana [w/video]

Chris Shunk — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Technology, Videos, Chrysler, Dodge

Chrysler eight-speed automatic transmission - click above to watch the video

Chrysler has announced that it will begin fitting an eight-speed transmission to select models for the 2013 model year. The ZF Group-sourced slushbox will be built at Team Pentastar's Kokomo, Indiana transmission plant thanks to a $300 million investment by the parent company. That cash commitment secures the 1,200 jobs currently working at the plant.

Eight-speed transmissions provide considerable fuel economy improvements compared to an automatic with five or six forward speeds. Chrysler isn't divulging which products will receive the new transmission, but Wards speculates that the upcoming eight-speed tranny makes the most sense in Chrysler's rear-drive LX platform vehicles like the 300 and Charger. That makes sense to us considering the fact that Chrysler will need to improve fuel economy considerably to meet stringent new EPA standards of 35 miles per gallon by 2016.

Senior Powertrain VP Paolo Ferraro says that the new transmission "will offer our customers refinement and comfort while achieving greater fuel economy and performance." Chrysler plans to improve its overall fuel economy by 25 percent by 2014. For comparison's sake, the ZF-sourced eight-speed transmission used in the BMW 760i is said to improve the big Bimmer's fuel economy by six percent. Learn more by checking out the official video and press release after the jump.

[Sources: Chrysler, Wards Automotive]

Continue reading Chrysler plans eight-speed automatic production in Indiana [w/video]

Chrysler plans eight-speed automatic production in Indiana [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Jun 2010 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler, ZF partnering on axle plant in Michigan

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 17:32:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Chrysler

One door closes, another one opens. Just as Chrysler is working to extricate itself from its deal with Getrag, the Pentastar people are about to announce a deal with ZF Friedrichshafen AG. Chrysler is erecting a plant in Marysville, Michigan that will build axles and employ 900 workers, but word is that the deal will involve ZF signing a long-term commitment to operate the plant.

As far back as September, the UAW said that Chrysler and ZF were getting together. The Detroit News reported on the talks at the time, but they were described as a "non-binding discussion" and "a possibility." The Marysville factory, planned to open in 2010, would replace the Detroit Axle plant that currently employs 1,430 workers. Letting ZF run the Marysville location would allow Chrysler to put more focus on getting its survival in order. The announcement will be made at 9 AM EST tomorrow.

[Source: Automotive News, sub req'd]

Chrysler, ZF partnering on axle plant in Michigan originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Nov 2008 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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

Michael Harley — Mon, 12 May 2008 14:57:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, SUV, Technology, Audi, BMW, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz

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.

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