Transmissions

[Due to the increasing size of the archives, each topic page now contains only the prior 365 days of content. Access to older stories is now solely through the Monthly Archive pages or the site search function.]

Ricardo to Partner with KATE LLC On New 7-Speed Automatic for AvtoVAZ Lada Cars

November 17, 2009

Transportation technology provider and consultant Ricardo has been awarded a major contract by Moscow-based KATE LLC to partner with it in the development of a new 7-speed automatic transmission for use in AvtoVAZ cars.

KATE LLC, an independent company established in 2004 with a background in the development of automatic transmission concepts for special applications, has been selected by AvtoVAZ—Russia’s largest automaker—to develop the new FT702 automatic transmission for use in Lada cars. This will be the first automatic transmission to be offered by AvtoVAZ and is aimed at helping broaden the appeal of the company’s products in the domestic Russian market.

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Hyundai-Kia Developed Its First CVT for the LPI Hybrids

November 14, 2009

Hyundai-Kia developed the CVT applied in the Elantra and Forte LPI Hybrids. Source: Hyundai. Click to enlarge.

Hyundai-Kia developed its first, independent Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) for application in the Hyundai Elantra LPI Hybrid (earlier post) and the Kia Forte LPI Hybrid (earlier post). The work on the CVT, which took three years, as well as other components of the hybrids, was carried out at the Namyang Research and Development facility in South Korea.

The LPI Hybrid is a mild hybrid powered by a 1.6-liter Liquefied Petroleum Injection Gamma engine; a 15 kW /105 N·m pancake type Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor; the CVT; and a 180V, 5.3 Ah lithium-ion polymer battery (LIPB) pack (with cells from LG Chem) with forced air cooling. The Elantra LPI HEV emits 99 g/km of CO₂ and 90% fewer emissions than an equivalent standard gasoline-powered Elantra. It qualifies as a Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV).

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Carraro DriveTech Previews New Transaxle Concept Incorporating Torotrak’s Variable Transmission Technology

November 11, 2009

The VaryT transaxle, shown here in tractor application form. Click to enlarge.

At Agritechnica, Carraro DriveTech previewed the VaryT range of transaxles (combining a stepless transmission and the vehicle axle in one unit) incorporating Torotrak’s full-toroidal traction drive (earlier post).

The Italian company, a licensee of Torotrak and a leader in the development and production of agricultural and materials handling transmissions, claims the VaryT concept will provide important reductions in fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions while also increasing productivity and driver comfort.

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Chrysler Powertrain Strategy to Rely Heavily on Integrating Fiat Engine Technology; Chrysler to Be Global Center of Competence for Hybrids and EVs for Fiat and Chrysler

November 04, 2009

Chrysler’s new powertrain strategy relies heavily on the rapid integration of Fiat technologies. Click to enlarge.

Chrysler’s new powertrain strategy is relying on the rapid transfer of Fiat Group technology for Multiair; Gasoline Direct Injection; turbocharging and alternative fuels to support rapid downsizing and improvement of fuel economy, along with the simplification of the company’s engine line-up, according to Paolo E. Ferrero, Senior Vice President, Chrysler Powertrain. Ferrero was speaking during a briefing at Chrysler headquarters today outlining the company’s new five-year business plan.

In addition, Ferrero said, the Chrysler Group will be the global center of engineering competence for hybrids and electric vehicles for Fiat Group and Chrysler Group.

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JATCO to Display New Transmission for Hybrids, CVT with Auxiliary Gearbox at Tokyo Motor Show

October 19, 2009

Thew new JATCO RWD hybrid transmission. Click to enlarge.

Japanese transmission manufacturer JATCO will exhibit a newly-developed transmission for hybrids at the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show 2009. The company will also showcase its new continuously variable transmission, developed with Nissan, featuring an auxiliary gearbox. (Earlier post.)

The new transmission for hybrids is based on the company’s 7-speed automatic transmission for FR vehicles (front engine, rear-wheel drive). Designed for parallel-type hybrid vehicles, the unit features one motor and two clutches, and supports motor-independent drive.

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Xtrac Suggests Specialty Steels for F1 Gearboxes Could Support Performance Improvements, Lightweighting and Downsizing in Commercial Transmissions

October 13, 2009

Xtrac transmission components. Click to enlarge.

The advent of new high performance steels for motorsport gearboxes developed by transmission specialist Xtrac—the latest specification of steel being required to significantly extend the life of a Formula One gearbox—could be broadly applied to a wide range of vehicles to improve their driveline reliability and efficiency according to Xtrac’s chief metallurgist Steve Vanes.

Xtrac, best known for the gearboxes and driveline components it develops for numerous motorsport formulas and high performance road cars, is joining a group of experts from industry and academia this week looking at cutting-edge technologies that could enhance the performance of transmission systems generally.

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Mazda to Debut Next-Generation Direct Injection Gasoline and Diesel Engines, Transmission and Kiyora Concept at Tokyo Motor Show 2009

September 29, 2009

The Kiyora Concept uses a 1.3-liter version of the new SKY-G gasoline direct injection engine and achieves fuel economy of 75 mpg US on the Japanese 10-15 cycle. Click to enlarge.

Mazda Motor Corporation will showcase the world premiere of its next-generation engine lineup and automatic transmissions at the 41^st Tokyo Motor Show, to be held from Saturday, 24 October through 4 November. Mazda will exhibit the Mazda SKY-G direct injection gasoline engine, the Mazda SKY-D advanced diesel engine and the Mazda SKY Drive high-efficiency automatic transmission.

The Tokyo Motor Show, to be held at Makuhari Messe in Chiba Prefecture, will also mark the Japan debut of the Kiyora concept car as an exhibit of Mazda’s next-generation environmental and safety technologies. Featuring the next-generation Mazda SKY concept powertrain technologies and comprehensive advancements in weight reduction, the Kiyora achieves fuel economy of 32 kilometers per liter under Japan’s 10-15 mode test cycle (3.13 L/100km or 75 mpg US).

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ZF Developing Hybridizable Multi-ratio Transmission and Other Systems for Smaller Cars

September 20, 2009

ZF is developing a hybridizable multi-ratio transmission for use with front-transverse drives. Click to enlarge.

At the Frankfurt Auto Show (IAA 2009), ZF is highlighting changes in its driveline and chassis technology to adapt to market requirements for smaller vehicles. ZF’s product range for this trend includes a new, hybridizable multi-ratio transmission currently under development for front-transverse drives; new damper technology; electric steering technology; and a lightweight chassis design.

Automatic transmissions for front-transverse drives. At the IAA 2009, ZF is exhibiting for the first time a multi-ratio transmission for vehicles with front-transverse drives. It is adapted to mid-size and smaller vehicle categories. Currently, ZF is working on an entire, modular front-transverse kit which can also be used with hybrid variants.

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Renault Highlights New Automatic Dual Clutch Transmission at Frankfurt

September 16, 2009

Renault Dual Clutch Transmission. Click to enlarge.

Renault has developed a new, six-speed, automatic dual-clutch transmission (DCT), which it is currently highlighting at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The DCT offers up to a 17% improvement in fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions performance compared with that of a conventional automatic transmission—i.e., performance comparable to that of a manual gearbox.

The DCT features the use of a dual dry clutch combined with electric actuators, and a specification calibrated to minimize fuel consumption. Renault chose dual dry clutch technology to minimize the parasitic friction associated with wet clutches and the converters of conventional automatic transmissions.

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Honda Announces New Dual Clutch Transmission for Large-displacement Sport Bikes and CV-Matic Automatic Transmission for Cub-style Scooters

September 08, 2009

Honda Dual Clutch Transmission for motorcycles. Click to enlarge.

Honda has developed two new transmissions for its motorcycle product lines. The new Dual Clutch Transmission is the first fully automatic motorcycle dual clutch transmission for large-displacement sport bikes. The new CV-Matic automatic transmission can be used in combination with Cub-style engines.

Dual Clutch Transmission. The Dual Clutch Transmission provides riders sporty riding enjoyment with easy operation, while its superior transmission efficiency delivers fuel economy equal to or better than a conventional manual transmission. A new VFR large-displacement sport bike equipped with the new transmission will be released in Europe and North America in 2010, with sales to commence in Japan at a later date.

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UQM Technologies and BorgWarner Collaborate on Electric Powertrain Systems; Initial Project is the CODA Sedan

September 03, 2009

UQM Technologies is collaborating with BorgWarner on electric powertrain products for all-electric and hybrid-electric passenger automobiles.

Initially, the companies are working together to integrate UQM Technologies’ PowerPhase electric propulsion system with BorgWarner’s 31-03 eGearDrive transmission (earlier post) for the all-electric CODA front-wheel drive five-passenger sedan, scheduled for introduction in the California market in mid-2010. (Earlier post.)

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Nissan and JATCO Develop Next-Generation CVT

July 22, 2009

Next-generation CVT. Click to enlarge.

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., and its affiliate transmission supplier JATCO Ltd. have jointly developed a new generation of compact and lightweight continuously variable transmissions (CVTs).

The next-generation CVT design features an innovative structure combining conventional CVT belt operation with an auxiliary gearbox and a significantly increased gear ratio range. The new CVT is scheduled to appear in compact Nissan vehicles worldwide in the near future.

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BMW Technology Day 2009: Focus on Aerodynamics, Two New Engines and 8-Speed Transmission

June 25, 2009

The new 3.0-liter gaosline engine combines turbocharging, direct fuel injection and VALVETRONIC for the first time. Click to enlarge.

For its Technology Day 2009 in Germany, BMW focused on describing its work with aerodyanmics, engines and transmissions in the context of its EfficientDyanmics development strategy.

The company presented the capabilities of its Aerodynamic Test Center and Aerolab; a new 3.0-liter gasoline unit combining turbocharging, direct fuel injection and VALVETRONIC fully-variable valve management; a new 3.0-liter twin turbo diesel with 2,000-bar injection pressure; and an 8-speed automatic transmission that can also be used in a hybrid application.

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Ricardo to Develop 8-Speed Automatic Transmission with China’s Weifang Shengrui

June 24, 2009

Weifang Shengrui Power Machinery Technology Company has contracted Ricardo to collaborate on developing a technically advanced and globally competitive 8-speed automatic transmission (8AT) for manufacture in China. The team of Ricardo and Weifang Shengrui engineers will be based on site both at Ricardo Shanghai and Ricardo’s UK Midlands Technical Centre.

Weifang Shengrui Power Machinery Technology Co Ltd is a successful independently held supplier of engine components to the automakers and engine builders in the domestic Chinese market as well as to the leading manufacturers of Europe. The company has set its strategy of expansion into transmissions and hybrid powertrain components and systems.

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New Two-Speed Electric Vehicle Transmission For Improved Performance, Range and Battery Life

May 12, 2009

The red region shows the most efficient speed range for a traction motor. By keeping the motor operating in, or close to, this region, the new two-speed transmission developed by Vocis could increase the range of electric vehicles by up to 10%, with little impact on cost. Click to enlarge.

Transmission engineering and control specialist Vocis is developing a novel multi-speed transmission for electric vehicles. The company will preview the transmission at EVS, the Electric Vehicle Symposium (Norway, 13-16 May).

Simulations show that a two-speed configuration could reduce the battery energy consumed by 5-10% over the industry-standard New European Drive Cycle, without any significant increase in overall cost or packaging volume, as well as extending battery life and providing the potential to substantially downsize the powertrain and battery pack.

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GM Previews First Two-Mode, Front-Wheel-Drive Hybrid Transaxle

May 09, 2009

by Jack Rosebro

General Motors 2MT70 FWD two-mode hybrid transaxle, as seen from engine side. Click to enlarge.

At the recent SAE 2009 World Congress in Detroit, General Motors engineers presented the first front-wheel-drive (FWD) iteration of their two-mode hybrid transaxle, termed the 2MT70 (earlier post), scheduled for its first application in the Saturn 2009 VUE 2-Mode Hybrid light sport-utility vehicle later this year (earlier post).

The two-mode design, itself originally adapted from a hybrid transmission designed by Allison for transit buses, has up to now been exclusively incorporated into rear-wheel-drive (RWD) transmissions with the intent of reducing the fuel consumption of heavier and larger passenger trucks and SUVs while preserving towing capacities.

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Allison Transmission Takes Stake in Torotrak, Licenses Full-Toroidal Traction-Drive Transmission Technology

March 17, 2009

The Torotrak variator, which affects the speed of rotation of the sun gear and is responsible for the smooth variation of ratios. Click to enlarge.

Allison Transmission, Inc., a leading designer, manufacturer and supplier of medium- and heavy-duty automatic gearboxes for the commercial vehicle sector, has entered a global licensing agreement with Torotrak plc, a full-toroidal traction-drive transmission company.

The new partnership gives Allison access to Torotrak’s specialist design and development skills covering Infinitely Variable Transmissions (IVTs) and Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVTs). The UK company’s technology offers significant opportunities for efficiency gains, fuel savings and emission reductions, together with a seamless, refined drive experience. Development work on a new medium-duty truck transmission will commence immediately with Torotrak supporting Allison in the program under a separate engineering agreement.

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Fallbrook Introduces Variable Accessory Drive Applications for NuVinci CVP

March 16, 2009

Basic design of the NuVinci CVP. Click to enlarge.

Fallbrook Technologies Inc., the developer of the NuVinci continuously variable planetary (CVP) transmission (earlier post), introduced a new suite of automotive- and truck-related applications for the NuVinci CVP, referred to as continuously variable accessory drives (CVADs), at the Clean Heavy Duty Conference and Expo in Long Beach, Calif.

A CVAD is a device that helps the engine-driven accessories on a car or truck (alternator, air conditioner, water pump, etc.) run more efficiently. These accessories have, in the past, been connected directly to the engine by a serpentine belt, so their speeds are tied to engine speeds. A CVAD sits between the engine and these accessories, allowing accessory speed to vary according to performance needs rather than engine speed.

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Volvo Trucks Introduces New Range of More Fuel Efficient, Lower-Emitting and Higher-Power Engines and Transmission

March 09, 2009

Volvo Trucks D13, D11 and D7 engines. Click to enlarge.

Volvo Trucks is introducing a new range of 13-, 11- and 7-liter engines and a new version of the I-Shift transmission. A number of technical engine improvements with the focus on optimized combustion and a new SCR catalytic converter combine to deliver up to 3% lower fuel consumption, 40% lower emissions of NO_x and higher power outputs.

For trucks with the 13-liter engine in combination with Volvo I-Shift, fuel consumption has been reduced by up to 3% compared with the previous version (Euro 5 incentive). For the 11-liter engine, the corresponding reduction is 1-2% percent. The power range has been broadened and the engine is now available as a fuel-efficient alternative on the entire Volvo FM range.

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Ford Beefs Up the Six-Speed Transmission for the 3.5L EcoBoost Engine

February 18, 2009

To help carry the higher torque of the EcoBoost V-6 engine, the ring gear on the 6F-55 transmission (left) is a beefier 41.5 mm versus 31.5 mm on the 6F-50. Click to enlarge.

Ford’s 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine (earlier post) debuts this spring coupled with a six-speed SelectShift automatic transmission that’s specifically designed for the higher torque demands of the all-new twin-turbocharged, direct injection engine.

Developed from the successful 6F-50 transmission, the 6F-55 is dedicated solely to the 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine and incorporates a number of component and calibration upgrades that help deliver the extra torque produced by the turbocharged V-6.

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GM Simplifies the Two-Mode Hybrid Transmission, Maintains Functionality for FWD Application

February 11, 2009

Simplified schematic of different hybrid systems. Click to enlarge.

GM has simplified the two-mode hybrid system for application in front-wheel drive vehicles—the Saturn VUE being the first instance (earlier post)—while retaining its functionality and capability, according to Mark Selogie, Senior Manager Power Electronics, GM Powertrain, speaking at the SAE Hybrid Symposium in San Diego (11-12 Feb).

The RWD version of the two-mode used to power the full-size SUV and pickup hybrid models incorporates two motors, three planetary gearsets and four clutches. The resulting system offers two electric continuously variable transmission (ECVT) modes (low- and high-speed) and also incorporates four fixed-gear ratios for high efficiency and power-handling capabilities in a broad variety of vehicle applications, including towing. (Earlier post.)

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Ford to Introduce Dry-Clutch Derivative of Dual-Clutch PowerShift Transmission in North America in 2010

January 21, 2009

The dual-clutch PowerShift transmission. Click to enlarge.

Ford Motor Company will introduce a dry-clutch derivative of the dual-clutch PowerShift six-speed transmission in North America in 2010 for the small-car segment.

The dual-clutch technology consists essentially of two manual transmissions working in parallel, each with its own independent clutch unit. One clutch carries the uneven gears (1, 3 and 5) while the other the even gears (2, 4 and 6). Subsequent gear changes are coordinated between both clutches as they engage and disengage for a seamless delivery of torque to the wheels.

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Hyundai Develops Own Six-Speed Automatic; 12.2% Improvement in Fuel Economy in First Application

December 23, 2008

New Hyundai 6-speed. Click to enlarge.

To help meet its goals of improving fuel efficiency and reducing CO₂ emissions of its vehicles, Hyundai Motor Company has completed the development of an all-new 6-speed automatic transaxle for transverse engine applications that it says will boost fuel economy by more than 12.2%.

Despite the extra gear, the 6-speed—which was in development for four years—is 12 kg lighter, is 41 mm shorter and has 62 fewer parts than the 5-speed it replaces. The new 6-speed went into production this month and will see its first application in Grandeur/Azera models equipped with the 3.3-liter V-6 Lambda gasoline engine beginning in January 2009.

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