If you thought 8-speed transmissions were confusing, then how about 9?
World-renowned German transmissions manufacturer, ZF, recently announced that they’re producing a 9-speed gearbox for front-wheel-drive cars. Benefits of the new unit are better performance and fuel economy figures. Gear changes will also be quicker and smoother. Now I don’t know about you, but I already didn’t like my experiences with 8-speed transmissions – especially when competitively driving – because it’s always confusing to figure out what gear you’re engaged in. What the hell is going to happen with 9 gears?
Explore posts in the same categories: Automotive, TechnologyTags: 8-Speed Transmission, 9-Speed Gearbox, 9-Speed Transmission, Fuel Economy, Gearbox, Transmissions, ZF 9-Speed Transmission, ZF Friedrichshafen AG, ZF Transmission
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July 18, 2011 at 4:57 pm
Who the hell competitively drives in automatic transmission cars? What is this, the disabled olympics of motor racing?
July 18, 2011 at 5:18 pm
You’d be surprised James… a lot of people bring automatics to track days and small amateur events, not that it’s the right thing to do. But I’m definitely from the same school of thought, I prefer manual transmissions to anything else. Some of the paddle-shift boxes (Ferrari’s especially) are pretty good on track. I have driven a Lexus IS-F with an 8-speed on track: A) it was really confusing and B) it didn’t add any value to the experience at all.