At the 2011 Detroit Auto Show, ZF appear their latest and greatest manual, a 9-speed automatic gearbox. The ix-speed concept was introduced for the first time at the 2009 Frankfurt Motorcar Show and it is scheduled to go into production this year at the Greenville factory in South Carolina. Our own Hugo Becker will have a detailed report on this in the upcoming days, covering the technology and engineering backside this new gearbox.

For now, here is the press release from ZF:

Under high pressure – ZF is working on the development of new fuel-efficient transmission generations. The latest innovation: an entirely new automated rider car transmission, developed with 9 gears for vehicles with a transverse engine.

2011 01 11 ZF 9HP front quer IMG 8 655x490 Already at the IAA 2009 (International Motor Show) in Frankfurt, Frg, ZF presented a concept study for front end-transverse transmissions which has entered serial development now. Approximately lxxx percent of all passenger cars worldwide feature a transverse engine installation. ZF is developing a state-of-the-art automated transmission for this type of engine installation, which volition significantly meliorate fuel economy. All around the earth, new client segments will be conquered with this transmission. Transmission production has been scheduled for Greenville, SC, Usa.

Fuel economic system and increased performance

With its 9-speed automated transmission for vehicles with transverse installed engines, ZF will once again establish a benchmark in terms of fuel consumption. Compared to today's standard vi-speed automatic transmissions for front-transverse design, ZF'southward new 9-speed automated manual clearly improves both driving performance and fuel economy. The mod shock absorber systems in the torque converter, which brand a rapid lock-upwards of the converter clutch possible, also mean amend fuel economy and lower CO₂emissions.

But like the 8-speed automated transmission for longitudinal installation, the new 9-speed forepart-transverse manual ensures that the extremely curt response and shifting times are clearly beneath the threshold of perception. This means that double shifts and straight multiple gearshifts are also made possible. Thus, the new transmission system is equipped with the same 'sporty genes' as already its eight-speed automatic manual predecessors; in conjunction with the excellent shift condolement characteristics, they certainly entail ultimate customer satisfaction.

[Source: ZF ]