Forecast: Six-Speed Automatics To Dominate U.S. Market
08-26-06, 06:47 AM
#1
G35x - RWD/AWD goodness
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Forecast: Six-Speed Automatics To Dominate U.S. Market
Date posted: 08-26-2006
FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. — General Motors and Ford are leading the shift to more fuel-efficient six-speed gearboxes, while three-quarters of new GM models will be equipped with the newer automatics by 2012, according to research firm CSM Worldwide.
Ford has previously said it plans to convert half its fleet to six-speed systems by 2015.
The latest powertrain forecast from CSM Worldwide predicts an aggressive ramp-up for the six-speeds, a revision of its forecast last year, when it anticipated a 40-percent penetration for six-speed gearboxes by 2010.
Chrysler Group, Toyota and Hyundai are also planning new six-speed automatics. CSM points out that virtually all four-speed manuals have been phased out.
North American output of continuously variable transmissions is expected to rise from about 1 percent of the market now to 5 percent by 2012.
Automakers, of course, are starting to offer seven- and eight-speed automatics, but these systems are typically produced in Europe and Japan. The first eight-speed is being introduced on the 2007 Lexus LS 460 sedan.
What this means to you: A move from a four- to a six-speed automatic can provide a big boost in fuel efficiency — generally between 4 and 8 percent.
Source: http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...ticleId=116622
FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. — General Motors and Ford are leading the shift to more fuel-efficient six-speed gearboxes, while three-quarters of new GM models will be equipped with the newer automatics by 2012, according to research firm CSM Worldwide.
Ford has previously said it plans to convert half its fleet to six-speed systems by 2015.
The latest powertrain forecast from CSM Worldwide predicts an aggressive ramp-up for the six-speeds, a revision of its forecast last year, when it anticipated a 40-percent penetration for six-speed gearboxes by 2010.
Chrysler Group, Toyota and Hyundai are also planning new six-speed automatics. CSM points out that virtually all four-speed manuals have been phased out.
North American output of continuously variable transmissions is expected to rise from about 1 percent of the market now to 5 percent by 2012.
Automakers, of course, are starting to offer seven- and eight-speed automatics, but these systems are typically produced in Europe and Japan. The first eight-speed is being introduced on the 2007 Lexus LS 460 sedan.
What this means to you: A move from a four- to a six-speed automatic can provide a big boost in fuel efficiency — generally between 4 and 8 percent.
Source: http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...ticleId=116622
08-26-06, 11:15 AM
#2
Pole Position
Big news to me is less the 6 speed adoption, that I think is non-news, but rather the pace with which CVT transmissions are being introduced. The LS600hL was a surprise on this front and several others such as the Maxima, Five Hundred, Caliber, Sentra also seemed to come out of left field.
How soon before we say, 8 speed transmission??!? Why? I have an infinite number of gears! Here's to them building up the TQ capabilities of the CVTs.
How soon before we say, 8 speed transmission??!? Why? I have an infinite number of gears! Here's to them building up the TQ capabilities of the CVTs.
08-26-06, 06:07 PM
#3
Big news to me is less the 6 speed adoption, that I think is non-news, but rather the pace with which CVT transmissions are being introduced. The LS600hL was a surprise on this front and several others such as the Maxima, Five Hundred, Caliber, Sentra also seemed to come out of left field.
How soon before we say, 8 speed transmission??!? Why? I have an infinite number of gears! Here's to them building up the TQ capabilities of the CVTs.
How soon before we say, 8 speed transmission??!? Why? I have an infinite number of gears! Here's to them building up the TQ capabilities of the CVTs.
LS 600h uses CVT-like powersplitting device, but it is not true CVT. It has to use it though, so it is definetly not an suprise, for full hybrid only option is CVT.
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