Ford previewed its upcoming six-speed automatic transmission at the 2008 New York Auto Show and on Wednesday released more information about the unit. The first applications of the new gearbox will be in the 2009 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner and the new transmission promise to boost performance while decrease fuel consumption and emissions.
Codenamed 6F35, the new transmission is intended for front-wheel drive applications. According to Ford, the new six-speed unit will increase fuel mileage by 4 to 6 percent — when compared to conventional 4 and 5-speed gearboxes — and also improves acceleration.
“With a greater gear span, the 6F35 allows the engine to operate at more optimum combinations of speed and load to meet certain driving conditions,†said Craig Renneker, chief engineer for new automatic transmissions, Ford Powertrain Operations. “The new transmission also enables the engine to run at lower speeds on the highway, which aids fuel economy.â€
The new transmission will be mated to Ford’s 2.5L four-cylinder and 3.0L V6 engines in the 2009 Escape and Mariner. Both engines will see a boost in power for 2009, but thanks to the new transmission, fuel economy ratings will be increased by 1 mpg.
The 2009 Mazda Tribute – a sister vehicle to the Escape and Mariner — will also use the 6F35 transmission.
In its press release, Ford also said that “two other vehicles will use the transmission early next year”, presumably implying the Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan.
