ZF showcases new 8HP 8-speed automatic at Detroit

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At the 2015 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, German parts manufacturer ZF took the opportunity to showcase the second generation of its acclaimed 8HP eight-speed automatic transmission, promising improved efficiency, a higher spread of gears and reduced torsional vibration.

The main draw of the new 8HP – comprising of eight gears, four gearsets and five shift elements – is better fuel economy – up to 3% more fuel-efficient than the already frugal first-generation unit, which itself saved up to 6% more fuel than the old six-speed ‘box.

Contributing to the longer trips between the pumps is the increased spread of gear ratios – from 7.0 to 7.8 – thanks to optimised gearsets. On average, engine speeds are now reduced by 50 rpm, translating to a reduction of fuel consumption by almost one percent.

Transmission inefficiencies have also been reduced through multidisk separation – the shift elements feature more springs integrated into the multidisk packages, ensuring that the friction shift elements are almost fully opened, reducing drag torque. All in all, power losses have decreased by around two thirds compared to the first-gen 8HP.

Also reduced is the “creep” – the slow forwards motion in Drive without any throttle application. A clutch is fully opened during deceleration and when stationary, meaning that it is no longer necessary to hold the brakes at a stop. System pressure in the oil pump has also been reduced from 5 to 3.5 bar, resulting in less energy used.

Refinement has been improved with the use of torsional vibration dampers that stop engine vibrations from transferring through the drivetrain and into the body. A new torque converter more quickly bridges the hydrodynamic transmission of power from the engine, enabling a earlier engagement of the lock-up clutch at extremely low engine speeds.

Adding to lower fuel consumption is the uncoupling of the transmission, dubbed the “coasting” function, which can now operate at speeds of up to 160 km/h. The operation of the optional auto start-stop functionality has also been improved, shutting the engine down at a stop without any discernible delay, instead of 1.5 seconds previously.

Improvements were also made to facilitate spirited driving, with the ability of conducting nested multple downshifts giving the transmission a more spontaneous and dynamic response when necessary.

The second-generation 8HP went into production last July, slotted into the BMW 520d in 8HP50 guise designed for engines producing up to 500 Nm of torque. Later, an 8HP75 unit will come on stream, capable of handling up to 750 Nm. The new transmission will gradually be phased into by all the manufacturers currently utilising the outgoing unit.

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Jonathan Lee

After trying to pursue a career in product design, Jonathan Lee decided to make the sideways jump into the world of car journalism instead. He therefore appreciates the aesthetic appeal of a car, but for him, the driving experience is still second to none.

 

Comments

  • looks like a jet engine !!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 1
    • That’s the result of true “R&D”, unlike some manufacturer using jerky Punch CVT which are not tested

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 4
      • Itu company Bkn cvt saja jerking….semua jerking la…ecu la…throtle body la….

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • superbird #43 on Jan 20, 2015 at 4:40 pm

    the automatics are getting increasingly more efficient in terms of mechanical capabilities and fc.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 0
    • toyotol on Jan 20, 2015 at 10:46 pm

      Sam Loo Toyoda transmission is much much better with reliable guarantee forever won’t break down dino-aged museum level 4 speed gearbox

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 9 Thumb down 2
  • Current ZF 8 speed is very impressive.. In comfort mode it smooth like a CVT. In Sport+ mode, totally different character and shift quickly with some vibration feedback like sport car..

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 10 Thumb down 0
  • Sammy on Jan 20, 2015 at 5:26 pm

    Personally, I still much prefer automatic then the Dual-Clutch Type transmission.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 11 Thumb down 2
    • but the tradition automatic gear will more longer lifespan compare dual clutch

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 1
      • No la ada old auto gear ada timing chain
        tiiimiiinnggg chhhhhaaaaiiinnnnn!!!!!!!!

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 2
  • ZF 8spd user on Jan 20, 2015 at 5:52 pm

    love the 1st gen ZF 8 speeder. smooth and zippy shifts. very efficient especially paired with the powerful 2.0 diesel turbo. always a conversation starter with new passengers in the car asking ‘how many gears are there on this thing? gear shifts seem to go on and on’.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 0
  • nabill (Member) on Jan 20, 2015 at 6:00 pm

    Those germans… Once thy put their mind to sting, u can only be wowed…. Respec *

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
    • maybak on Jan 20, 2015 at 10:50 pm

      But no respect when seeing tow trucker busy making business with the car owner at roadside.

      Welcome to real bolehland, even p1 is more reliable

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 5
  • Sorchai (Member) on Jan 20, 2015 at 6:23 pm

    Honestly, after looking at the video, how many of you actually understand how the damn thing works? :)

    As long as it doesn’t break down unnecessarily, I’m OK liao.

    Heh Heh…I still remember my grandfather’s car had a 3 speed manual and he starts of on 2nd gear. Only use 1st gear one time when the car just started. If he is alive now, he will have big bulging eyes looking at the statement 8 speed. Times have changed…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 0
  • sudonano (Member) on Jan 20, 2015 at 6:45 pm

    Best automatic transmission ever made, period.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 10 Thumb down 3
    • given on Jan 20, 2015 at 10:51 pm

      Can last 1,000,000km?

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 1
      • Yes automatic normal transmision can go more than 1,000,000km. My friend volvo 850 last time clocked at 2,500,000km

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
    • holofanboi on Jan 22, 2015 at 4:06 pm

      Dear sudonano,

      Please meet my friend, Manuel Transmission. I’m sure you will find him…’superior’.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 1
  • karipap basah on Jan 20, 2015 at 6:48 pm

    my bicycle has 16 speed…..hihihihi

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 8
  • heybadigol (Member) on Jan 20, 2015 at 7:17 pm

    I thought reduced creep is not driver friendly, as you have to step gently on the throttle just to move slowly, unlike a car with lots of creep where you just let go of brakes slowly to make the car move slowly (no need to step on the throttle).

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 1
  • mim (Member) on Jan 21, 2015 at 12:09 am

    Reduced creep? It’s nice to know that the torque converter no longer drags during stops like a typical old fashion slushbox, but I bet typical Msian drivers won’t like it during a city/hill drive.

    Punch CVT’s clutch-damper in Protons has this feature and most ppl didn’t like it as the car would occassionally roll backwards a little on a slope. (Amateur) drivers will have to move their foot frequently on hills, or be assisted with Hill Hold.

    It’d be interesting to see how ZF address this issue.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • ss427 on Jan 21, 2015 at 9:55 am

    Of cos, Sam Loo would proudly say that his 15 yr old Camry 4AT will beat the shit off this thing or any super high tech gearbox

    Because Toyota makes the bestest, and most reliablest car in this universe

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • Jyong on Jan 21, 2015 at 6:20 pm

    i thought ZF already came out with 9speed gearbox which already available in evoque?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
 

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