[Bartek Sikorski]

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As we reported last month, it appears BMW and Audi, following the lead of Lexus, will begin to offer eight-speed automatic transmissions in their flagship models. Sources are now saying the transmission will be supplied by ZF Friedrichshafen, a familiar German supplier to both marques. Although we don't know all of the specifics, Audi is expected to debut the new slushbox in the range-topping A8 sedan, Q7 SUV, and their future A7 premium model. BMW will likely debut the new gearbox in their premium 7-Series sedan and the X6, according to company sources.
The current Audi A8 and BMW 7-Series both use six-speed automatics. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class utilizes a seven-speed automatic of their own design, while Lexus debuted their eight-speed transmission (used in their LS models) four years ago. Increasing the number of forward gears offers advantages in smoothness, acceleration, and improves fuel efficiency. Lower fuel consumption equates to reduced emissions, helping the powerful models meet increasingly stringent air quality standards in Europe and the United States.
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[Osnabrueck]

Boooo.

The number of gears in you luxo-barge has much more to do with marketing than it has to do with performance. I couldn't be any less enthusiastic about BMW & Audi trying to follow Lexus' lead on this. It's "Very Lexus" to have 8 gears - but the "smoothness" benefits of 8 gears is mitigated by the dynamic shortcomings that come with such a setup.

[Tycoon]

Audi’s top-of-the line models are likely to feature ZF's new eight-speed automatic set to roll in next year and the carmaker is already testing vehicles fitted with the fuel-efficient gearbox, according to inside sources. BMW has already confirmed it too will adopt the new design for its 7-series flagship as well as the new X6 SUV crossover.

Audi is yet to confirm the news but analysts at research firm CSM Worldwide have told Automotive News Europe that we’re likely to see the eight-speed ‘box in the A8 saloon, Q7 SUV and upcoming A7 four-door coupe from next year onwards.

ZF claims its new design improves fuel consumption by 14% compared with a standard five-speed automatic because of its longer gear ratio. Engineers have also improved the design to include - ONLY REGISTERED AND ACTIVATED USERS CAN SEE ALL LINKS - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER, allowing the close-geared system to shut the engine down when a vehicle comes to a stop and fire it back up and drive off at a moment’s notice.

Mercedes-Benz is yet to reveal if it will offer an eight-speed gearbox. The carmaker’s head of passenger car engines and powertrains, Leopold Mikulic, has told reporters Mercedes’ current seven-speed auto could be extended to eight gears but that the impact on fuel efficiency would be “limited.”


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[Merc1]

Mercedes isn't going to do an 8-speed, a senior engineer told me that they're going for a 10-speed. It will be called the Schwinn-GTronic.

M

[Tycoon]

Originally Posted by Merc1

Mercedes isn't going to do an 8-speed, a senior engineer told me that they're going for a 10-speed. It will be called the Schwinn-GTronic.

M

[bmer]

Originally Posted by Osnabrueck

Boooo.

The number of gears in you luxo-barge has much more to do with marketing than it has to do with performance. I couldn't be any less enthusiastic about BMW & Audi trying to follow Lexus' lead on this. It's "Very Lexus" to have 8 gears - but the "smoothness" benefits of 8 gears is mitigated by the dynamic shortcomings that come with such a setup.

ZF and BMW won't agree with you on that, Osna. At least judging by this message EnI posted a year ago :

Originally Posted by EnI

Interesting fact:

ZF & BMW had a goal to develop an auto gearbox that will offer optimal combination of low fuel consumption & performance & smooth shifting. No fixed total number of gears was chosen in advance.

The engineers tested several solutions: from 6- to 10-speed gearboxes. 6- & 7-spped trannies were not efficient enough (to small improvement over current 6-speed auto), while 9- and 10-speed gearboxes even increased fuel consumption. So the most optimal prototype was an 8-speed gearbox. So, it was a perfect choice for production.

I doubt we will see more than 8-speed auto trannies in the future - since they are more fuel thirsty than this optimal 8-speed auto. And car makers tend to lower fuel consumption as much as possible - and will try to do it even more in the future.

[Mr. Mercedes]

Lexus ONLY did 8 because MB had 7. I would really like to see an objective analysis on which is the better transmission.

Audi and BMW have no choice but to respond.

[Tarek]

The number of cogs is becoming ridiculous,power wars at first then gears wars

[Ultimate Car Guy]

Originally Posted by Tarek

The number of cogs is becoming ridiculous,power wars at first then gears wars

How could this be ridiculous? The technical innovation increases both performance and fuel efficiency.

There is nothing wrong with this type of war if:
1. Performance is improved
2. Fuel consumed is reduced, and
3. The customer ultimately benefits.

I don't care if the number of gears eventually increases from 8 to 20. As long as the progress is justified by the criteria above.

[Merc1]

Don't be surprised if Mercedes does a 10 speed with the next generation S-Class.

M