Chrysler and Dodge are the Heirs of Mercedes-Benz 5-Speed Transmission
Remember two and three speed automatic transmissions? Now the 4-speed automatic gearbox, what has been the staple of the automotive world for decades, is on its way out.
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| Mercedes-Benz has announced a new 7-speed automatic for its V8 powered vehicles. (Photo: Mercedes Benz) |
With the majority of Asian and European automakers producing 5-speed automatics for their top models, and some even boasting 6-speed units, if a brand has a 4-speed in its lineup it's now seen as very old tech.
Old-tech would not be adequate enough for luxury car manufacturer Mercedes-Benz however, that recently announced a new 7-speed automatic for its V8 powered vehicles. The 7-G-Tronic transmission will be standard equipment in the 2004 E500, S430, S500, CL500 and SL500, replacing the current 5-speed automatic.
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| New Chrysler 300C (shown) and Dodge Magnum models will receive the 5-speed automatic Mercedes-Benz transmission. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler) |
Ironically vehicles sporting engines with high torque, such as the V8s in the aforementioned models, don't need the quick change artistry of more gears as much as lower torque four or six-cylinder engines. Volvo, for instance, offers its 5-speed automatic on its entry-level XC90 2.5T while leaving its 4-speed gearbox shifting on behalf of its top-tier XC90 T6. The less powerful engine needs more intervals to keep its engine in its power and torque 'sweet spot'.
Still, the Mercedes transmission will reduce a sprint to 60 mph (96.6 km/h) by up to 0.3 seconds according to the German brand, with "significantly quicker intermediate sprints" from 35 to 75 mph.