The new nine-speed transmission was unveiled at VDI Conference “Transmissions in Vehicles 2011”, and is designed for front-wheel-drive vehicles with a transversely-mounted engine. The new gearbox, codenamed 9HP, can handle torque between 280 and 480Nm, and can be combined with different stop-start systems, as well as hybrid and all-wheel drive applications.
According to ZF, the 9HP offers fuel savings up to 16% compared to today’s 6-speed automatic transmissions in front-wheel drive cars thanks to the extremely high total spread of 9.84 and the high number of gears that allow the engine to run in the most fuel-efficient speed range. For example, in 9th speed, you can travel at 120km/h with the engine running at just 1,900rpm, compared to 2,600rpm in a 6-speed auto.
The 9HP uses a standard torque converter instead of the increasingly-popular double-clutch configuration, and ZF states that it has designed all components for faster response and shift times that are “actually below the threshold of (the driver’s) perception”.
ZF has designed the gearbox as a “construction kit”, making it possible to be installed in a variety of configurations. To achieve this, the company has developed a new all-wheel drive system in which the rear axle drive is decoupled under normal driving conditions and is actuated only when required, reducing fuel consumption by 5% compared to permanent all-wheel drive systems.
The 9HP is, by default, compatible with stop-start systems without the need for an additional oil pump, and can also be used in parallel hybrid architectures, in which case the torque converter is replaced by an electric motor.
According to ZF, the 9HP offers fuel savings up to 16% compared to today’s 6-speed automatic transmissions in front-wheel drive cars thanks to the extremely high total spread of 9.84 and the high number of gears that allow the engine to run in the most fuel-efficient speed range. For example, in 9th speed, you can travel at 120km/h with the engine running at just 1,900rpm, compared to 2,600rpm in a 6-speed auto.
The 9HP uses a standard torque converter instead of the increasingly-popular double-clutch configuration, and ZF states that it has designed all components for faster response and shift times that are “actually below the threshold of (the driver’s) perception”.
ZF has designed the gearbox as a “construction kit”, making it possible to be installed in a variety of configurations. To achieve this, the company has developed a new all-wheel drive system in which the rear axle drive is decoupled under normal driving conditions and is actuated only when required, reducing fuel consumption by 5% compared to permanent all-wheel drive systems.
The 9HP is, by default, compatible with stop-start systems without the need for an additional oil pump, and can also be used in parallel hybrid architectures, in which case the torque converter is replaced by an electric motor.
