Likely Audi, BMW and Jaguar Flagship Models Will Feature New 7P
ZF, the maker of the world's first six-speed automatic, has just upped its stake in the transmission building business with their all-new 7P seven-speed automatic gearbox.
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| ZF, the makers of the world's first six-speed automatic, have outdone themselves by creating a seven speed automatic transmission to combat Mercedes-Benz' 7G-Tronic. (Photo: ZF) |
Presented at this year's Frankfurt auto show was the driveline/chassis technology company's answer to the Mercedes-Benz 7G-Tronic, the world's first seven speed automatic transmission. The new seven ratio unit is based on the current six-speed model found in Jaguars, Audis and BMWs, sharing its mechatronics module, hydraulics, oil pump and pan.
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| Prime candidates for the new transmission are large European luxury sedans such as the upcoming Audi A8 L W12 (shown) and BMW 760Li. (Photo: Volkswagen AG) |
With the new gearbox, ZF now offers a complete range of automatic transmissions for vehicles with 4, 6, 8, and 12 cylinder gasoline and diesel engines.
Though there's an extra cog in the gearbox, ZF has managed to make their new transmission smaller and lighter than the six-speed unit. A wet starting clutch with dual-mass flywheel replaces the conventional torque converter. This, in combination with the seventh gear, allows for improved acceleration and reduced fuel consumption.
Speaking of improved performance, the 7P is designed for today's high power and torque engines, and is able to safely accept 443 lb-ft (600 Nm) of torque. With fewer components on board, and the absence of the torque converter, the transmission housing can be shortened by up to 20 mm.