Automobile reports that Honda and its luxury brand, Acura, are set to implement the ZF nine-speed as soon as 2014. Known internally as the 9HP, the gearbox is designed for transverse applications, is good for both front- and all-wheel-drive and can handle up to 354 lb-ft of torque. Those parameters mean it would be a good fit for vehicles such as Honda's Odyssey and Pilot as well as Acura's TL and MDX.
Honda won't be the only automaker to make use of the ZF nine-speed. Chrysler is also expected to utilize the gearbox for a number of its offerings, such as the Jeep Liberty replacement, over the next few years.
ZF will reportedly begin production of the 9HP at its South Carolina plant in 2013.
