ZF Now Producing Full Range of Six-Speed Automatic Transmissions

ZF Seven-Speed Automatic to Debut at Frankfurt Auto Show

FRIEDRICHSHAFEN, Germany, July 30 -- When ZF introduced the world's first six-speed automatic transmission during 2001 -- the 6 HP 26 -- in the BMW 7-Series, it set new technological standards within the industry. Since then, ZF has developed a complete line of six-speed automatics -- called myTronic6 -- and will debut its new seven-speed automatic transmission at the auto show in Frankfurt in September.

With the inclusion of the new 6 HP 19 in the new BMW 5-Series, and the 6 HP 32 for larger engines, ZF can provide a six-speed automatic to any standard or full-size car, with four, six, eight or 12-cylinder gas or diesel engines. The modular system of the product line permits a high percentage of shared components.

Drawing on this modular system, ZF engineers have developed a seven-speed automatic -- called the 7 P-transmission -- based on the six-speed range, using the Lepelletier principle, a proven market technology. A specialty of this transmission is the use of a wet starting clutch with a dual-mass flywheel instead of a converter. It features sporty, spontaneous shifts, ideally suited for modern diesel engines. Designed for 600 Nm, it improves acceleration and fuel economy, and reduces emissions. Compared to a five- speed automatic, the 7 P-transmission is smaller and lighter, since fewer components are needed, and uses the same housing as the six-speed line. Currently, the myTronic6 line is featured in vehicles from Audi, BMW, Jaguar, Rolls Royce and Volkswagen. ZF is the first driveline and chassis technology supplier to provide a complete range of six-speed automatic transmissions for front-wheel and rear-wheel drive vehicles.

ZF Friedrichshafen AG is a leading worldwide supplier of driveline and chassis technology. Headquartered in Friedrichshafen, Germany, ZF is among the 15 largest automotive suppliers in the world. The company has a total workforce of 53,300 at 119 locations in 25 countries, and combined revenues for the group totaled more than $10 billion in 2002.

With sales of more than $2 billion in 2002 ZF expects NAFTA region annual sales of more than $3 billion by 2004. ZF Group North American Operations are headquartered in Florence, Kentucky.