Cars these days are mostly equipped with automatic transmissions. Any car with just a four speed automatic is deemed as inferior, while those with five or six speed automatic transmissions are moving forward (slowly). Certain Lexus models have an eight speed automatic. One gear too many? Perhaps not, as Ford has patented an 11-speed automatic. Yes, eleven!
Spotted in a new patent filing by AutoGuide, it shows that Ford may be putting an eleven speed automatic into future models. Even so, a 10-speed automatic will find its way into the 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor. According to the filing, it says “a transmission gearing arrangement produces eleven forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio by selective engagement of three shift elements in various combinations.”
Why eleven speeds you ask? Simple, for keeping the engine in its ideal power band, without unnecessary revving. Assuming that the engine has enough torque, it can cruise on highways with very low RPMs, which also helps improve fuel economy.
Ford powertrain spokesman Paul Seredynski said, “As a technology leader, we submit patents on innovative ideas as a normal course of business. Patent submissions help protect our new ideas but do not necessarily indicate future business or product plans.”
While actual implementation of the 11-speed gearbox may still be quite some time away, Ford is certainly geared-up for the future.
Sourced via : AutoGuide
