http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/15/f...transmissions/

Back in October, there were reports that General Motors and Ford Motor Company were hard at work co-developing new nine- and ten-speed automatic transmissions, and now both automakers have confirmed this joint operation. While there are no specific vehicles mentioned to receive either transmission, a collaborative press release issued by GM and Ford mention that the transmission will be designed for front- and rear-wheel-drive cars, crossovers, trucks and SUVs.

These aren't the first powertrain components developed jointly between these cross-town rivals, either. The six-speed automatic currently used in vehicles like the Ford Edge, Ford Fusion, Chevrolet Cruze and Chevrolet Equinox was engineered in a similar fashion. As is the case with this existing transmission, both automakers will assist in the design, development and testing of the new transmissions, but each will build its own units in its own factories. Scroll down for the official press release.

 

It would be interesting to have a mustang with a 9 speed auto

But seriously, it would help the SUV's the USA is in love with. The 8 speed in my moms 13' Audi Q5 is butter smooth, crisp, and shifts quickly. So Im not opposed.

 

Looks like cars will soon have more gears than 18 wheelers ...

 

As I stated in another thread, I don't mind them working together, but these 9/10 speed transmissions are just stupid. The **** car's are never going to be in a gear. Anytime you want to pass someone, you'll hit the gas and have to wait on the gearbox to drop 7 gears so you can have some power.

 

There was a Yahoo story on this and it appeared to have been written by someone for whom English was not the native language. It was really bad!!!

I remember the three-speed Chevy Powerglide and the four-speed autos that shifted with a huge clunk. The five-speed auto in our '06 Honda Accord and the six-speed auto in my new Mustang are brilliant by comparison. I spent a career in Information Technology and I can't image in the programming that goes into controlling modern gearboxes.

Lost in the shuffle in all this is the insanity of the Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards imposed by a bunch of bureaucrats who rely on 'promote the general welfare.' If you thought 7,000 RPM was a lot you should see the speed at which our founding fathers are spinning in their graves.

 

The Powerglide was a two speed, and is still one of the best drag strip transmissions out there.

 

Much truth spoken here.

 

+1.

 

Can you imagine having to row through 9 or 10 gears getting on the highway? Downshifting through 5 gears going up a grade? Move that load of hogs to the back good buddy 10-4.

I find my 5 speed to be plenty of gears to get the job done. If six, then I would want another higher over drive.

 

Of memory serves GM is putting a 7 speed shifter in the C7

It does seem like a lot of work

 

Heck, I rarely ever use 6th gear, but I don't really drive on the freeway very much, normally just 2 lanes and backroads. Many times I'll ride around for a couple of hours and never put it in 6th. But I do like the way it feels more in 4th and 5th on the backroads. I like having that torque on tap when I need it without having to downshift.

 

I can imagine, actually. Even with a 10 speed, the drivers try to skip gears when they can.

 

We're talking 10 speed autos. Not manuals.

But I agree. Even with the 6 speed I skip gears on a regular basis. Usually 1-3-5.