An additional high gear reduces engine rpm while cruising which saves fuel.
Wayne Gerdes –
CleanMPG – May 24, 2008
2008 Ford Edge – 16/24 for a 19 combined with a 3.5L and the new 6-speed. Let us hope a small version of the 6-speed goes into the next gen Focus or Fiesta instead
DEARBORN – The big shift is on at Ford as the automaker plans to more than double the number – to 1.4 million – of fuel-efficient, 6-speed automatic transmissions in its North American cars and trucks by the end of 2009.
The advanced transmissions provide customers 4 to 6% improvement in fuel economy compared with typical 4- and 5-speed gearboxes, as well as better acceleration and a quieter and more refined driving experience.
“Advanced six-speed automatic transmissions are an important element in our sustainability strategy to improve fuel economy for our customers and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30 percent in our new vehicles by 2020,” said Barb Samardzich, Vice President, Powertrain Product Development. “They also deliver improved acceleration and smoother shifting, all at a great value for consumers.”
By the end of 2012, 98 percent of Ford’s North American automatic transmissions will be advanced 6-speed gearboxes, maintaining the automaker’s position as a leader of high-performance, fuel-efficient powertrains.
Less RPM, More MPG
Along with similar discussions about the present and future Honda Fit’s gear ratios, Ford’s newest 6-speed allows vehicle powertrains to operate at a more optimum level, depending on the particular driving situation.
“For example, a higher first gear delivers more torque when accelerating from a stop while the deeper overdrive gear enables a vehicle’s engine to use less energy at highway cruising speeds, which saves gas,” says Phil Yuhasz, engineering director, Transmission and Driveline Engineering. “In addition, with two more gears, a 6-speed transmission allows the engine to operate at its optimum efficiency, for a greater period of time, further boosting fuel economy.”
Additional Fuel-Saving Technology
Ford 6-speed gear ratios are also playing a role in the company’s new PowerShift dual-clutch transmission currently used in the new European Ford Focus and Ford C-Max. PowerShift combines the ease and permanent motion of a conventional 6-speed automatic transmission with the performance of a manual transmission. It also delivers a fast and sporty shift while maintaining excellent shift smoothness.
Other notable features
- Chain-driven secondary gearset – Specifically designed with random-size links, the unique chain reduces noise, vibration and harshness when driving the transmission's secondary gearset.
- Unique pump-filter interface – Virtually eliminates pump whine, contributing to projected best-in-class noise, vibration and harshness characteristics.
- Flat-tow capability – Vehicles equipped with the 6F35 can be flat towed (all four wheels on the road) behind other vehicles without damaging the transmission. When flat towed, the transmission is in neutral, but internal parts rotate, causing heat. With the engine turned off during towing, the pump cannot create pressure to move oil around in the transmission and cool parts. To address this, internal baffling was added to the 6F35 to capture and direct oil to key areas.
- Fluid fill for life – A special blend of transmission fluid is maintenance free for the life of the gearbox.
Linear Mode
