British engineering firm Ricardo, has announced that it will work together with Weifang Shengrui Power Machinery Technology on the development of an advanced eight-speed automatic transmission. Which makes me happy not to to be in the rebuilt transmission industry anymore…
Ricardo is one of the providers of technology, new products innovation, engineering solutions and strategic consulting to the world’s automotive, transport and energy industries.
Weifang Shengrui Power Machinery Technology Co Ltd is a successful independent supplier of engine components to the automakers and engine builders in the domestic Chinese market as well as to the leading manufacturers of Europe. The company has set its goals of expansion into transmissions and hybrid powertrain components and systems.
The Ricardo-Shengrui deal will result in a transmission that will have more gear ratios than any other Chinese made transmission, but will also, its makers claim, rival some of the world’s most luxurious automakers for transmission technology.
Currently, Lexus is the only manufacturer to offer an eight-speed torque converter-equipped automatic transmission, which is fitted to its LS range, GS 460 and the hi-performance IS-F sports sedan.
BMW, Audi, Mercedes and Hyundai currently have plans to introduce a ZF–sourced eight-speed auto (pictured at top), but an introduction date for their automatic transmissions has yet to be etched in granite.
While an agreement has been made between Ricardo and Shengrui, it’s not exactly clear what Chinese brands will utilize the new eight-speed transmission. As a parts supplier, Shengrui could feasibly supply any of China’s numerous car companies with the hi-tech transmission, but so far the company’s interested in buying has yet to make themselves known.
The new transmission will be designed to be compatible with four-wheel-drive systems and hybrid powertrains, and opens up a plethora of possibilities for manufacturers who choose it for their vehicles.
Needless to say, you won’t need a rebuilt transmission for this transmission model anytime soon, when a need for rebuilding these complex units arises, GotTransmissions.com will be the first rebuilt transmission supply company to offer them in a quality replacement unit.
Read more of our GotTransmissions.com Blog for news concerning what the future of transmissions may have in store, and what the current transmissions on the market offer us. You can also use our Blog as a source of transmission information in general. Enjoy..
