BMW Vehicles

BMW will be obtaining the eight-speed automatic transmissions from ZF Friedrichshafen a German supplier that they often deal with. BMW has plans to debut the new transmission in the X6 Sport Activity Vehicle and 7-Series sedan.

The current BMW 7-Series both use six-speed automatics. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class utilizes a seven-speed automatic of their own design, while Lexus debuted their eight-speed transmission in the LS 460. Increasing the number of forward gears offers advantages in smoothness, acceleration, and improves fuel efficiency. Lower fuel consumption equates to reduced emissions, helping the powerful models meet increasingly stringent air quality standards in Europe and the United States.

PSA and BMW are working together to create the 4-cylinder 1.6 liter engine that for now resides in the R65 MINI Cooper. Norbert Reithofer – BMW CEO – stated during an interview that this engine will be making its way into the BMW 1-Series. We weren’t able to get details on which particular models would be given this engine or even which markets it will be sold in.

The auto market can change as quickly as anything. One of the biggest changes that we are seeing in the past couple of years are hydrogen vehicles that will help the enviroment, or so we hope. It is no surprise that BMW has jumped on the bandwagon and decided to take part in this new little venture.