GM, Ford collaborating on fuel-efficient 9- and 10-speed transmissions – GM for FWD, Ford for RWD

GM, Ford collaborating on fuel-efficient 9- and 10-speed transmissions – GM for FWD, Ford for RWD

There was a time when we thought seven gears was overkill; now we have Audi, BMW and Lexus offering eight-speeders. And it’s not going to stop there, for now General Motors and Ford are jointly developing 9- and 10-speed transmissions to improve the fuel economy of their vehicle line-up, according to an Automotive News report. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) has been signed between them.

Sources have revealed that GM is heading the design of a 9-speed gearbox for front-wheel drive vehicles; Ford a 10-speeder for rear-wheel drive cars. The companies began work early this year and are still in the design phase.

By teaming up, both automakers should benefit from financial savings in engineering and product development. The gearboxes are expected to boost the fuel efficiency and refinement of their vehicles. With more gears on hand, the engines do not have to rev as hard.

A decade ago, the top two of Detroit’s Big Three agreed to work together on a series of six-speed automatics (which included the Ford 6F and GM 6T70, latter pictured) for front-wheel drive cars.

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Jonathan James Tan

While most dream of the future, Jonathan Tan dreams of the past, although he's never been there. Fantasises much too often about cruising down Treacher Road (Jalan Sultan Ismail) in a Triumph Stag that actually works, and hopes this stint here will snap him back to present reality.

 

Comments

  • shawal on Oct 01, 2012 at 2:24 pm

    why??

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • The Driver on Oct 01, 2012 at 3:53 pm

    Japanese car lovers please take note, you are being misled by the Japanese car makers by offering CVT gearboxes. Every other car maker are offering dual clutch tranmissions (and proceeding to make further improvements as the above article shows) – even the most progressive ones from Korea. The only reason why CVTs are offered is because of the investments already made and has not been helped by the crippled Japanese auto industry.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 4
    • Just FYI, the above 9/10 speed gb is a fluid coupling type (the conventional type that we have been using since dunno how many ages ago) with the addition of advance sensory and better locking range.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
    • not dual clutch la bro…coventional gb but more gear…dual clutch is a big fail. and cvt is not suitable for big car due to reliability issue..small car use cvt la…korea 6speed also coventional gb

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 1
      • What makes u think that the dual clutch is big fail?? Experienced with fail unit or sour grape effect?

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 3
        • It’s very basic engineering principles. Dual Clutch transmissions does give you that lightning shift acceleration (as in BMW’s DCT, VW’s DSG, Porsche’s PDK) and enhanced driving dynamics. It’s not exactly a big fail but there are few cons to it such as very costly to build and maintain and higher prone to failure (due to higher degree of friction) compared to conventional automatic. Not to mention dual clutch transmissions could be harsh to drive in city and urban roads.

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
    • Sam Loo on Oct 02, 2012 at 4:14 am

      These GB’s are still on the drawing board.

      The Japs have perfected the traditional auto box and made is so reliable that even GM/Ford/Benz/Beemers failed to copy

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 2
      • yea.. the famous toyota 4 speed right..

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
        • kiddo on Oct 02, 2012 at 12:35 pm

          it might be true that Toyota has been sticking to the 4-speed gearbox for quite some time but it’s undeniable that the 4-speeder is one of the smoothest and best out there with the most evenly-distributed gear ratios.

          It also works well with the engines that are coupled with it.

          I don’t mean that there should be no improvement but let’s be honest, it’s a good gearbox.

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 1
      • ss427 on Oct 02, 2012 at 2:08 pm

        That’s a serious charge you’be got there.

        Please provide doc proof to support your statement above… Else… go look for Hyundai Junk bro and you 2 can go make love to your good old 4AT LOL

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • 1 Malaysia on Oct 01, 2012 at 8:53 pm

    wow good r&d approach and effort..
    optimize fuel efficiency..

    towards better motoring experience..

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • mokkf82 on Oct 02, 2012 at 10:43 am

    Compare with local pride. Where are we?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
    • ss427 on Oct 02, 2012 at 2:10 pm

      Chickened out by going the CVT route and try to smoke non techies into believing that CVT is the gearbox of the future geezz… :)

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • kiddo on Oct 02, 2012 at 12:37 pm

    At least we see some improvements with Proton switching to CVT. Perodua wise, hmm~

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • ss427 on Oct 02, 2012 at 2:06 pm

    Well happy shifting :) At least paddle shifters makes more sense now.

    Hey Hyundai Junk bro, we’re all waiting for your ‘valuable’ input that your >12 yrs old Toyota 4AT will beat the shit outta all these super high tech boxes from GM and Ford LOL :)

    Yes no matter how advanced the Americans gets with their gearbox tech, they will never beat the 4AT in your Toyota.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 1
 

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