Ford killing manuals by 2013

[dieselboy77]

Ford Motor Co. said Wednesday it will introduce a more fuel-efficient, six-speed transmission system for all of its small cars in North America starting in 2010, as the automaker seeks to lift the fuel economy of its vehicles.

Ford said small cars in North America will be equipped with its dual-clutch PowerShift six-speed transmission by 2010, while 100 percent of its transmission will be advanced six-speed gearboxes by 2013.

The company said the new transmission system offers better fuel economy than current automatic transmissions, most of which are five-speed. The PowerShift transmission can help cut fuel consumption by up to 9 percent, the company said.

"PowerShift is more efficient, it saves weight, is more durable, more efficient and the unit is sealed for life, requiring no regular maintenance," said Piero Aversa, manager of Ford Automatic Transmission Engineering, in a statement.

Six-speed transmissions have helped lift the fuel economy of cars such as the 2010 Ford Fusion, the Ford Flex and the Ford Escape, the company said.

Ford said the new transmissions are part of its goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across its fleet by 30 percent by 2020.

http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financia ... RLRTG0.htm

this blows , i wanted a euro focus with manuals, i guess i won't buy a ford since all transmission will be the trip tronic crap

[watkins]

So much for my small amount of hope that Ford survives. Assholes

[theholycow]

FWIW, the transmission described there is not a slushbox. While lacking the clutch pedal and tactile feedback of the manual transmission, it does retain almost all of the practical advantages of the manual (and most of the practical advantages of the auto too).

I didn't know that Ford was working on that type of transmission.

I'd be surprised if they completely stop offering manual transmissions.

[watkins]

ps. Wrong forum

[DrNick]

Taking a manual out of something like a Mustang won't go over very well with most drivers. Other cars... I don't know. It's a tossup.

I will play devil's advocate and say that the new technology is promising. Heard something about it being wired into the brake such that a quick tap of the brake "clutches in" and puts you in neutral, allowing you to coast. Interesting stuff.

[dieselboy77]

FWIW, the transmission described there is not a slushbox. While lacking the clutch pedal and tactile feedback of the manual transmission, it does retain almost all of the practical advantages of the manual (and most of the practical advantages of the auto too).

I didn't know that Ford was working on that type of transmission.

I'd be surprised if they completely stop offering manual transmissions.

its still automatic, dual clutch is like driving a playstation 3 car , and people who are lazy or have no clue how to drive manuals buy that crap. And i drive in heavy traffic every day in last 7 years and i dont find manuals irrotating at all so i dont want to hear about "dual clutch are better in traffic."

[dieselboy77]

FWIW, the transmission described there is not a slushbox. While lacking the clutch pedal and tactile feedback of the manual transmission, it does retain almost all of the practical advantages of the manual (and most of the practical advantages of the auto too).

I didn't know that Ford was working on that type of transmission.

I'd be surprised if they completely stop offering manual transmissions.

its still automatic, dual clutch is like driving a playstation 3 car , and people who are lazy or have no clue how to drive manuals buy that crap. And i drive in heavy traffic every day in last 7 years and i dont find manuals irrotating at all so i dont want to hear about "dual clutch are better in traffic."

i wrote ford and told them if they getting rid of manuals they getting rid of a sale from me hah

[theholycow]

its still automatic, dual clutch is like driving a playstation 3 car

I didn't say it's not automatic, I just said it's not a slushbox; there's no torque converter. I also said essentially the same thing you said, and I quote myself: "lacking the clutch pedal and tactile feedback of the manual transmission".

8ms full throttle shifts are nothing to sneeze at.

[DrNick]

It's great that they're going with the dry clutch route though - weight reduction and less maintenance compared to the VW DSG. Let's see what long-term longevity is like, though.

[Maxwell7301]

I agree with all of the advantages that theholycow was referring to. Real manual gearboxes controlled by computers have the benefits of slushboxes, while lacking most of the drawbacks.

That said, I think most of us would agree that three pedals are always more fun. I never want to see the manual transmission die completely. I actually like Ford, as most of my family members drive Fords, and the cars have been really reliable. While I'm disappointed at the prospect of Ford killing the manual transmission, I feel that they are the most likely of the "big three" to survive.

[IMBoring25]

You can thank the new CAFE requirements...

[Bawked]

who wants a ford anyway? thats the question

[dieselboy77]

they probbly will sell manuals in europe tho

[SteveUK]

Of course they will still sell manuals here. We won't chnage without a fight. Remember, manual is the norm here. Automatics, well that's just witchcraft!

[dieselboy77]

Only Americans are so lazy to learn to drive manual, they cant shift becouse 1,chatting on the phone 2,busy eating hamburger ,3.busy putting make up on, 4. busy reading newspapers