Success story
ZF in Jaguar
Jaguar has always been at the top of the market. Today, the company combines tradition and modernity, sportiness and luxury, boldness and dignity. For the new Jaguar XF, engineers in Birmingham were looking for a transmission that could bridge the gap. They found it – at ZF.
Fast and comfortable shifting - with a ZF 6-speed automatic transmission
Jaguar designers decided to offer the XF exclusively with an automatic transmission for all engine sizes. Of course, given the sportiness aspect, they also considered a ZF manual transmission. But the prospect of low unit sales and the added comfort of an automatic transmission led to the cancellation of this idea. The engineers at Jaguar and ZF were determined to endow the 6-speed automatic transmission with the agility of the mighty cat. In the development of what was then the world's first 6-speed automatic transmission, currently featured in many premium-segment cars, ZF aimed to achieve maximum functionality and performance density. Despite the increase in input torque, the additional sixth gear, and expanded functions, the engineers managed to reduce the number of parts and transmission weight. The XF has an optimal shifting strategy. Gear changes are lightening fast and extremely smooth.
Perfect conditions thanks to many years of partnership
The long-term business relationship between Jaguar and ZF represents a major advantage. The teams know each other well: Jaguar has been using ZF automatic transmissions since 1983. In the intensive exchange of information between the ZF teams and Jaguar designers in Birmingham, the chief engineer never lost sight of one goal: The powertrain had to deliver the kind of sporty-yet-smooth power that distinguishes the Jaguar marque.
Further Information
Holger Kirsch
Trade Press Passenger Cars
Tel. +49 7541 77-2488
Fax. +49 7541 77-90 2488
holger.kirsch@zf.com
