Nautilus 8-speed transmission

[Gurgeh]

I missed this Automotive News story from the spring on the new 8-speed transmissions (yes, there will be two of them) slated for the Nautilus.

 

The one used for the 2.0t in-line 4 base engine will be a revised version of the 9-speed jointly developed with GM, and it will be prioritized for fuel efficiency.

 

The second will a new Ford-designed 8-speed based on the old 6-speed (that also has its origins in a joint development project with GM). This one will be used with the 2.7tt V6 upgrade engine and will be prioritized for power and torque.

 

Just wish there was a Nautilus "first drive" review out as I'm curious how the Naut might differ from the MKX due to the new transmissions.

 

Note:

"Ford hasn't revealed fuel economy figures for the first vehicles with the new eight-speed gearboxes, but its engineers believe they can achieve everything GM is getting out of its nine-speed with one less gear. 'The small efficiency benefit did not justify the added weight and cost of an extra clutch and gear,' Ford spokesman Mike Levine said."

 

And:

"But the transmission switch also is about performance, at a time when Ford is creating a broad portfolio of sportier and high-horsepower vehicles. By adapting the six-speed from the 2002 GM alliance, Ford hopes to get more torque and power."

 

http://www.autonews.com/article/20180423/OEM01/180429934/ford-gm-9-speed-transmission

[Cosmos36]

IMO, GM's claim that the 9-speed offers "benefits in off-the-line acceleration" over the 8-speed is primarily marketing hooey. Only a stop watch and which driver arrives at the next red stoplight inches ahead would confirm the claim. And, any driver exhibiting the superiority of the 'faster' 9-speed would of course be negating any claims of the 9-speed's better fuel mileage with WOT stop to stop demonstrations.

 

Ridiculous GM nonsense. Ford has the better idea.