Range Rover Evoque with 9-speed auto coming to Geneva
At the 2013 Geneva Auto Show, Land Rover will display an Evoque fitted with a 9-speed ZF transmission. Developed specifically for transverse applications, the 9HP transmission claims to enhance the real-world fuel efficiency of the Evoque and correspondingly reduce emissions. The lowest ratio of this transmission is said to be even lower than the one in the current six-speed, enabling better acceleration and high levels of refinement. This particular transmission also skips gear ratios while downshifting enabling for a swifter shift. A multi-stage damper system is employed by the torque converter for better pulling ability as also refinement. While driving sedately, the ZF 9HP shifts into a higher gear as early as possible in the interest of better fuel efficiency.
While it claims to be efficient, smoother and refined, the new transmission is also 7.5kg lighter and 6mm longer than the current 6-speed one. This compactness is achieved by the new hydraulic vane-type pump and other innovative design features like a Nested gear set.
