From AB
LAND ROVER TO DEMONSTRATE THE WORLD'S FIRST NINE-SPEED AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION
Land Rover announces new ZF nine-speed automatic transmission for
transverse applications
Increasing the number of gear ratios to nine will help reduce
emissions and improve efficiency
Lower gear ratios enhance all-terrain and all-weather capability
Adaptive shift system matches and remembers customer driving style
for a tailored driving experience
Land Rover is lead partner on this project with ZF, a world leader
in transmission technology
(MAHWAH, NJ) February 26, 2013 - Land Rover will demonstrate the
world's first nine-speed automatic transmission for a passenger car at
the 2013 Geneva Motor Show. The ZF 9HP transmission is designed for
transverse applications, and is one of the most efficient and
technically advanced transmissions ever used in a production vehicle.
Land Rover is the lead partner with ZF on this project.
Increasing the number of gear ratios from six to nine will help reduce
emissions
and improve efficiency. Smaller ratio steps also give improved
response during acceleration, with improved shift quality and
refinement. A higher top gear improves efficiency by lowering engine
speed, which also improves comfort and reduces noise when cruising at
highway speeds.
The 9HP is quite robust and complements the all-terrain capability
expected of a Land Rover vehicle while delivering exceptionally high
levels of refinement and efficiency. The lowest ratio in the 9HP is
lower than the existing six-speed transmission and is designed for
off-road use, towing, and on-road conditions like steep gradients.
Whereas the existing six-speed transmission makes downshifts
sequentially, the 9HP has a skip-shift function for much swifter
downshifting to meet rapid deceleration demands. If the driver
requests a downshift when the vehicle is travelling too fast for the
selected gear, the transmission will remember the request and make the
shift when the speed drops to an appropriate level.
"Fast-Off" mode measures the rate of throttle release,
anticipates further requests by the driver for high power, then holds
the gear if necessary.
The torque converter incorporates a multi-stage damper system for
smoother pull away and improved refinement. An innovative adaptive
shifting system matches the driver's mood within seconds, sharpening
up during brisk driving and then seamlessly shifting to a more
economical program when taking a more relaxed driving approach.
Additionally, "Curve Mode," detected
acceleration/deceleration forces, and pedal position all control
upshift timing.
The 9HP is masterfully packaged and despite the extra three gear
ratios is only 0.24 inches (6mm) longer and actually weighs 16.5 lbs
(7.5kg) less than the outgoing six-speed transmission. The compact
packaging is achieved by using a number of innovative design features:
A new compact hydraulic vane-type pump, two patented dog clutches
replacing bulkier conventional clutch packs, and a nested gear set.
Land Rover and ZF are on-going partners in transmission development;
having jointly developed fully integrated transmission solutions in
the Range Rover, Land Rover LR4 and Range Rover Sport. The new
nine-speed transmission will be produced at ZF's Gray Court facility
in South Carolina, USA.
# # #
About Land Rover
Land Rover, the British maker of Land Rover and Range Rover sport
utility vehicles, is renowned for providing its' clientele with some
of the most luxurious and capable vehicles in the world. Every Land
Rover product is equally at home both on and off road, and in any
setting; be it in the heart of the city, or traversing the
countryside. Today's Land Rover lineup includes the legendary
Defender, LR2 (Freelander 2), LR4 (Discovery 4), Range Rover Sport,
Range Rover and Range Rover Evoque. Land Rover designs, engineers, and
manufactures their vehicles in the United Kingdom. Land Rover is fully
engaged with sustainability initiatives and social concerns with
continuous involvement in environmental and community programs. For
more information visit the official Land Rover website at
http://www.landroverusa.com.
About Jaguar Land Rover
Jaguar Land Rover is the UK's largest automotive manufacturing
business built around two iconic British car brands with a rich
heritage and powerful consumer appeal and loyalty. Additionally,
Jaguar Land Rover is at the centre of the UK automotive industry's
drive to deliver technical innovation in all areas of vehicle
development.
As the UK's largest automotive employer, JLR has a world class team
of nearly 25,000 people.
In the 2011/12 fiscal year, JLR achieved record profits of £1.5
billion, an increase of £392m when compared to the previous year.
Jaguar Land Rover is the largest investor in automotive R&D and
engineering in the UK.
Jaguar Land Rover has two state of the art engineering and design
facilities and three advanced manufacturing plants in the UK.
Headquartered in Mahwah, New Jersey in the United States, Jaguar
Land Rover North America, LLC has offices across the USA and Canada
and is represented by more than 330 retail outlets.
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