2011 Range Rover TDV8 gets new ZF 8-speed automatic, but not in America

For 2011, European-spec Range Rovers are getting a fresh transmission to go along with the new, Ford-built 4.4-liter turbodiesel V8. Like many of its German competitors, the Range Rovers will now be equipped with ZF's 8HP70 eight-speed automatic transmission, a change that contributes six percent of the new model's fuel efficiency improvement over the six-speed 2010 model.

The eight-speed should be particularly well suited to a diesel application since the compression ignition engines have a narrower power band than gasoline units and the extra two ratios can help keep the engine in the sweet-spot of its power and efficiency bands. The diesel engine is rated at 309 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque and, with the new transmission, gets an 18.5 percent improvement in fuel efficiency.

ZF also supplies the electrically driven Servotronic steering assist system and the power steering column adjustment for the Range Rover. Land Rover hasn't announced the 2011 specs for the U.S. Range Rovers, but it will likely get the eight-speed with the gas V8s available here.

[Source: ZF]

PRESS RELEASE

New 2011 Range Rover TDV8 Diesel Features Efficiency-Enhancing ZF Eight-Speed Automatic

Eight-speed automatic transmission with approximately 6-percent fuel savings and fast gear changes
More driving comfort and feedback provided by the Servotronic steering system from ZF Lenksysteme

Friedrichshafen. Land Rover's Range Rover marked its 40th anniversary this summer with the introduction of the new 2011 TDV8 Diesel model, including an advanced 4.4-liter V8 turbodiesel engine. The new flagship vehicle is equipped with a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission that channels the luxury SUV's strong 516 lb.-ft. of torque (700 Nm) with smooth responsiveness, for quick gear changes and greater fuel efficiency. The new Range Rover also is equipped with the Servotronic steering system from ZF Lenksysteme.

ZF is proud to contribute driveline and steering technology to support the new Range Rover lineup, which promises to set new benchmarks for efficiency, driving dynamics and comfort.

With an electronically controlled, eight-speed automatic transmission made in Saarbrücken, Germany, the Range Rover delivers dynamic shifting performance that gives the new SUV impressive agility. In addition to its greater power-to-weight ratio, the eight-speed automatic transmission helps the vehicle reduce fuel consumption. In fact, the new ZF eight-speed offers up to 6-percent greater fuel economy when compared with the Range Rover's previous ZF six-speed automatic. And with greater fuel efficiency come lower emissions.

Servotronic steering system eases low-speed driving
The 2011 Range Rover's Servotronic rack-and-pinion steering system uses a precise valve system for speed-proportional control of steering forces. It reduces the steering effort at low speeds to enhance maneuverability – particularly when parking – while increasing the steering effort at highway speeds for a greater feeling of control and steering precision.
Production of the system is a joint venture between Robert Bosch GmbH and ZF Friedrichshafen AG.

ZF Lenksysteme also supplies an efficient steering pump and an electrically adjustable steering column with memory function.