Nine speed automatic transmission. How does that sound to you? As incomprehensible as that may seem, it's exactly what Mercedes-Benz is working on.
Back in 2003, Mercedes introduced the 7G-Tronic and I remember thinking what are we going to do with so many ratios considering most Mercedes vehicles here in Malaysia and even around the world spend their time in traffic jams? Read: in second or third gear, fourth at most.
But it was implement and widely accepted. Then Audi and BMW recently outclassed that with the 8-speed ZF transmission. And now the game moves up a notch ratio.
According to reports online, the new gearbox, aptly dubbed 9G-Tronic, will offer improved fuel efficiency and reduced CO2 emissions compared to the seven-speed 7G-Tronic.
The new gearbox will be used on large displacement engines and could possibly make its debut on the redesigned 2012 S-Class.
So could we be seeing a 10-speed gearbox soon? Maybe not. Mercedes apparently believes that nine gears is the maximum number of ratios that are technically possible. Any more, and engineers will be facing a monumental technical challenge. Besides that, Mercedes also believes that consumers won't accept a ten-speed unit. Why? I'm not too sure.
We'll just have to wait and see.
Source: AutoCar; WorldCarFans
