How many gears are enough? While it seems that six-speed automatic transmissions are just now becoming the de facto standard in most circles, Mercedes-Benz has been working with seven ratios for a while now and Lexus did its German rival one better by designing its own eight-speed. Not con
It's an unconfirmed rumor that Ford's going to make its Super Duty pickups shiftless, but the mere whiff of a reduction in choices is likely set enthusiasts afire with rage. The merits of standard versus automatic transmissions in trucks that routinely tow and generally work hard is a debate for another time, but the real crux of the biscuit comes down to cost. As it stands now, you can get a Power Stroke diesel with a manual for $1500 less than a self-shifter. If Ford removes the standard trans
Remember Zeroshift? We last wrote about them in April after we attended the SAE World Congress. At that time it was revealed that they were working on the implementation of their transmission in motorcycles, although we have not heard any more regarding when we'll see their product on a production machine. According to Jeremy Korzeniewski
General Motors has decided to add production of a new six-speed automatic transmission at their Toledo, Ohio powertrain plant. The new transmission plant is designed for mid-sized front wheel drive cars like the Chevy Malibu and Saturn Aura. The new transmission is a more compact design then GM current units with the gears mounted on the same axis as the crankshaft instead of being offset. The design of the transmission will improve both performance and fuel economy. GM will be spending almost $
The importance of quality parts and strong supplier relations was laid bare for the Ford Motor Company Thursday, as it was forced to hit the red button on five assembly plants (and partially close a sixth) after it learned that of a defective clutch mechanism employed in certain 4-speed automatic transmissions. The costly shutdown idles plants producing F-Series pickups, E-Series vans, Expeditions, and the Lincoln Town Car. 15,000 workers are affected.
