Detroit: Chrysler 300 to get new ZF 8-speed auto by year's end

Chrysler has unveiled its new 300 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, as we reported earlier this week. But there was one element missing -- the ZF eight-speed automatic transmission Chrysler contracted to source from the German specialist. Buyers of the new 300 will need to wait six months for the eight-speed box, which is being built in the US and will roll out in the Chrysler before year's end.

The deal was worked out between Chrysler and ZF six months ago -- not soon enough for the transmission to be ready for the introduction of the new Chrysler. As it is, the updated 300 has gone to market with the five-speed inherited from the car it supersedes. But on Chrysler's press day at the Detroit show, CEO Olivier Francois said the car will get the new transmission late in 2011. No mention of whether it will come standard or optional, or with which of the three engines -- V8 and V6 petrol and V6 diesel -- it will be offered.

What Francois did say is that the box should make the 300 good for 30 mpg (7.8L/100 km) on the highway cycle.

ZF released the 8HP70 eight-speed auto in 2010 as successor to the six-speed that has dominated the market since 2001. That unit has found its way into millions of vehicles over the decade, most notably high-end Ford product from Aston Martins and Jaguars. Eventually it trickled down locally into high-spec Falcons. Jaguar, now owned by Indian company Tata, has retained it for the new-generation 2010 XJ, but will undoubtedly shift to the eight-speed in time.

The new unit is already in upper-end BMWs, Rolls Royce's upcoming Ghost and Bentley's new Mulsanne. With its potential to deliver mass-market economies of scale, Chrysler's announcement points to a far quicker run downmarket for the eight-speed unit than its six-speed predecessor.

ZF has designed the eight-speed for longevity by maximising its flexibility in accommodating multiple powertrain types. A modular housing allows auto makers to install a torque converter for conventional petrol and diesel engines or electric motors for micro, mild or full hybrid options.

The two extra speeds serve both to pull the ratios closer together and to extend the top ratio by about 15 per cent for better highway cycle fuel economy. ZF designed it to minimise its moving components, helping reduce energy dissipation and slicken up shifts.

At the time of its release, the German manufacturer claimed it reduces fuel consumption by an average six per cent in a conventional petrol or diesel engine, and as much as 25 per cent in hybrid powertrains.

The transmission and the home turf production deal play a critical role in Chrysler's bid to cut overall corporate fuel consumption by more than 25 per cent by 2014. It also opens the door to myriad tax break opportunities from the Indiana city of Kokomo, where the plant is located.

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