Ford patents 11-speed automatic gearbox
We’ve all heard about development of a 10-speed gearbox from the Ford Motor Co., but a latest report claims that the company is now set to take the tally up to 11. Unlike the 10-speed automatic, which is being jointly developed by Ford and General Motors, the 11-speed is claimed to be a solo effort from the American car manufacturer.
According to a known publishing house, Ford had filed a patent filing for a vehicle gearbox with 11-speeds in October 2013. Regarding this, the company displayed a simple-looking diagram that wouldn’t be that easy to implement in the actual production terms, as it actually seems.
Also, this application indicates a design that uses planetary gear-sets, without the dual-clutch configuration; therefore it will most likely behave as a conventional, torque-converter automatic.
Considering, it’s not uncommon for the car manufacturers to file patents on auto-trans gearing arrangements without any intention of using them in the immediate future, we expect this to be long-sighted strategy, more than anything else.
While, Stefan Sommer, CEO of ZF, a major industry transmission supplier, back in November, had said that, ‘a 9-speed auto 'box represents the "natural limit" judging by the benefits brought by an extra gear in comparison to the added complexity and weight.
Source: AutoGuide