9-speed automatic transmission system by ZF

German driveline and chassis technology manufacturer ZF Friedrichshafen AG has introduced a nine-speed automatic transmission system. The 9-speed transmission saves fuel and is also compliant with latest stop-start, hybrid, and all-wheel drive technologies.

The 9-speed transmission system was presented at the International VDI Conference "Transmissions in Vehicles 2011" in Friedrichshafen in Germany. ZF supplies transmission systems to Hyundai, Bentley Muslanne and some Bentley cars besides others. In India, ZF India, a subsidiary of ZF provides integral hydraulic power & mechanical steering systems to Tata Motors, Force Motors Ltd, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. besides some car and truck manufacturers in India. Tata Indica and Tata Safari come fitted with the steering systems by ZF India.  

The 9-speed automatic transmission is meant for passenger cars with front-transverse drive. ZF specializes in the manufacture of chassis and transmission for cars and commercial vehicles. The nine-speed transmission supports a torque range between 280 and 480 Nm. The new transmission can be supplemented in line and can be cost-efficiently mated with different hybrid and all-wheel drive applications. The latest technology transmission enhances fuel economy by 16 percent and also cuts emissions as the engine always runs in the consumption-optimal speed range. The 9-speed transmission has been designed for engines mounted transverse position.

In his new engine unit inaugural speech Mr. Hans Georg Harter, ZF CEO & President reportedly said that with the introduction of the 9-speed transmission, the company will lead in the transmissions for front-wheel-drive cars. Notably, ZF is one of the most prominent suppliers of technically advanced transmissions for the rear-wheel-drive cars in the world. Out of the 123 production locations in 27 countries including India, the 9-speed transmission will be produced at ZF’s Greenville, South Carolina plant.