At a Glance

17/04/2012 ZF to Supply 8-Speed Automatic Transmission to new 2013 Ram 1500 Pick-up Truck

• 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 combined with ZF’s 8-speed automatic transmission delivers best-in-class fuel economy.
• ZF’s innovative transmission design features four planetary gear sets and only five shift elements, minimizing drag loss and increasing transmission efficiency.
• TorqueFlite, a trademarked name for Chrysler’s automatic transmissions is being reintroduced with the 2013 Ram 1500’s class-exclusive 8-speed automatic transmission, which is supplied by ZF

NORTHVILLE, Mich. — ZF announced its 8-speed automatic transmission (8HP) will be available in the 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 and standard with the Pentastar 3.6-liter V-6 for the 2013 Ram 1500 pick-up truck. With the help of ZF’s 8HP and stop-start system, the Ram 1500 delivers best-in-class fuel economy. The new so called TorqueFlite 8 significantly reduces fuel consumption when compared to Chrysler’s current 6-speed transmission.

ZF’s innovative transmission features eight gears, four gear sets and five shift elements (two brakes and three clutches). In addition to advancements in fuel economy, the ZF 8HP offers improved performance without increasing the number of gear sets. Gear efficiency has been further enhanced through minimized drag losses, which were achieved through the improved power flow where only two shift elements are open per gear.

The 8-speed automatic transmission is designed to work in conjunction with the Ram 1500’s stop-start technology. This function is enabled by the development of the hydraulic impulse oil storage (HIS). It supplies the hydraulic oil that the transmission's shift elements need for starting. When the engine is switched off, it allows for a quick engagement– as it is required with the stop-start function. With the stop-start function of the hydraulic impulse oil storage, it is possible to reduce fuel consumption by 3.3 percent.

“The application of the first-ever 8-speed-equipped, full-size truck, enables us to showcase the strength and adaptability of our transmissions,” said Dr. Gerhard Wagner, ZF board member and head of the Powertrain Technology division.

The 2013 Ram 1500, which launched at the New York International Auto Show on April 5, comes standard with a 3.6-liter V-6 Pentastar and boasts 42 percent more horsepower, 13 percent more torque and at least 20 percent better fuel economy, when compared to the previous 3.7-liter V-6 powertrain.

TorqueFlite, a trademarked name for Chrysler’s automatic transmissions that launched with the 1956 three-speed unit and was discontinued in the 1990s, is being reintroduced with the 2013 Ram 1500’s class-exclusive 8-speed automatic transmission, which is supplied by ZF.

“Being associated with the TorqueFlite name is a great honor for ZF and a testament to capabilities of our transmissions,” added Dr. Wagner.

The Ram 1500’s new TorqueFlite 8 also will be available with the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8, which is Chrysler’s first 8-speed application with a V-8. Ram’s new TorqueFlite 8 is operated by an innovative dash-mounted, rotary e-shift design.

ZF and Chrysler have a commercial agreement to produce lightweight axles, which also are featured on the 2013 Ram 1500.

ZF invests in transmissions for North American market

ZF is investing $350 million and providing approximately 1200 new jobs in Gray Court, S.C., where the company is building its first North American passenger car transmission plant. Beginning in 2013, the 975,000-square-foot facility will manufacture 8- and 9-speed automatic transmissions for the North American market.

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