LAND ROVER TO DEMONSTRATE THE WORLD’S FIRST NINE-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

Land Rover announces new ZF nine-speed automatic transmission for transverse applications
Increasing the number of gear ratios to nine will help reduce emissions and improve efficiency
Lower gear ratios enhance all-terrain and all-weather capability
Adaptive shift system matches and remembers customer driving style for a tailored driving experience
Land Rover is lead partner on this project with ZF, a world leader in transmission technology
(MAHWAH, NJ) February 26, 2013- Land Rover will demonstrate the world’s first nine-speed automatic transmission for a passenger car at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show. The ZF 9HP transmission is designed for transverse applications, and is one of the most efficient and technically advanced transmissions ever used in a production vehicle. Land Rover is the lead partner with ZF on this project.

Increasing the number of gear ratios from six to nine will help reduce emissions and improve efficiency. Smaller ratio steps also give improved response during acceleration, with improved shift quality and refinement. A higher top gear improves efficiency by lowering engine speed, which also improves comfort and reduces noise when cruising at highway speeds.

The 9HP is quite robust and complements the all-terrain capability expected of a Land Rover vehicle while delivering exceptionally high levels of refinement and efficiency. The lowest ratio in the 9HP is lower than the existing six-speed transmission and is designed for off-road use, towing, and on-road conditions like steep gradients.

Whereas the existing six-speed transmission makes downshifts sequentially, the 9HP has a skip-shift function for much swifter downshifting to meet rapid deceleration demands. If the driver requests a downshift when the vehicle is travelling too fast for the selected gear, the transmission will remember the request and make the shift when the speed drops to an appropriate level. “Fast-Off” mode measures the rate of throttle release, anticipates further requests by the driver for high power, then holds the gear if necessary.

The torque converter incorporates a multi-stage damper system for smoother pull away and improved refinement. An innovative adaptive shifting system matches the driver’s mood within seconds, sharpening up during brisk driving and then seamlessly shifting to a more economical program when taking a more relaxed driving approach. Additionally, “Curve Mode,” detected acceleration/deceleration forces, and pedal position all control upshift timing.

The 9HP is masterfully packaged and despite the extra three gear ratios is only 0.24 inches (6mm) longer and actually weighs 16.5 lbs (7.5kg) less than the outgoing six-speed transmission. The compact packaging is achieved by using a number of innovative design features: A new compact hydraulic vane-type pump, two patented dog clutches replacing bulkier conventional clutch packs, and a nested gear set.

Land Rover and ZF are on-going partners in transmission development; having jointly developed fully integrated transmission solutions in the Range Rover, Land Rover LR4 and Range Rover Sport. The new nine-speed transmission will be produced at ZF’s Gray Court facility in South Carolina, USA.

Really wonder if low ratio is needed anymore with a 9 speed box when it's installed on the FF. You guys who off road, what do you think?

LR is always great, you could never find a 1st or 2nd so low that at silly angles i can engage it and the car crawls up it, me hanging out the window looking where its going with assistance on the pass side and crawl at a safe speed without having to hold the brake on or power. For offroad its really needed.

I use it once on a steep hill start with the 2tonne tin tent on the back a long while back and it sure made things easier  FFRR MY06 facelift With TDV8 Alloys Zeros/ATR's
Mantec Sump Guard, Rigid Load liner, MY10 BT upgrade.

kingpleb wrote:

me hanging out the window looking where its going with assistance on the pass side

There are cameras now.

Yeah but thats something else to break  FFRR MY06 facelift With TDV8 Alloys Zeros/ATR's
Mantec Sump Guard, Rigid Load liner, MY10 BT upgrade.

Designed for transverse applications. So presumably not for use in an FF then?

And if it is, with the L405 being over 400kg lighter and many of the newer engines giving more torque than the L322, would an ultra-low 1st gear really be necessary? Si. <This is my name.

I eat rat poison.

A man ain't truly been insulted until he stands buck naked in front of a woman and she didn't even notice. Or care.

This one is for the Freeloader but I bet they are planning a 10 gear for the FF

The Evoque is getting it first...

http://www.pistonheads.com/news/default.asp?storyId=27203 Si. <This is my name.

I eat rat poison.

A man ain't truly been insulted until he stands buck naked in front of a woman and she didn't even notice. Or care.

Actually Jeep are getting it first, LR are just claiming it first ... 
07 Supercharged - Still breaking her in!

Boot soundproofing part 1 - http://www.fullfatrr.com/forum/topic15612.html
Custom exhaust - http://www.fullfatrr.com/forum/topic15296.html
18" wheels for Brembo equipped cars - http://www.fullfatrr.com/forum/topic15052.html

Jeep haven't actually shown or announced a car with the 9-speed yet, Land Rover have.