While the car is still in the works, and Honda has been focusing on dual-clutch gearbox and CVTs, that doesn’t mean that none of their car models would carry a conventional automatic transmission anymore. As a matter of fact, insiders say that the Honda Acura could carry a 9-Speed Automatic transmission by German firm ZF when it rolls out in 2014.
This was earlier reported in 2011, but it was not so clear on whether the manufacturer would use an 8- or a 9-speed gearbox. Now, it has been reported that Honda is leaning to the latter, more powerful automatic gearbox. The manufacturer for the automatic, who has been unknown a few years ago, was also revealed to be the German company ZF.
Does the gearbox sound familiar? It actually is because it was actually showcased by Chrysler and the same gearbox will appear in a number of Fiat/Chrysler vehicles in the next few years. While Chrysler officials have been mysteriously keeping quiet about the subject, insiders have also revealed that the Liberty under the Jeep brand would be carrying this new transmission.
ZF calls this gearbox the 9HP. It is perfect for the front and AWD platforms, and has an impressive torque of 354 pound-feet. The gear spread of this box is at 9.84:1 which is quite wide and is said to make the vehicle more fuel-efficient. It’s not as wide a berth as the 25% Ford is promising, but 10%- 16% of fuel savings is still quite significant. The perfect engine paired with this gearbox should have 1900 rpm. Should this be achieved, the vehicle could run as fast as 75 miles an hour.
Honda executives, when interviewed, also refused to confirm or to deny their use of this gearbox on one of their 2014 vehicle. However, they do have lines which would be perfect for the gearbox. This includes the Acura, Odyssey and the Pilot.
