The new Powerline eight-speed automatic gearbox ZF Friedrichshafen is introducing for commercial vehicles in 2020 is designed to suit medium to heavy vehicles up to 14969 kilograms and is lighter, quieter and offers better performance than typical six-speed transmissions currently on the market, according to ZF.

“We are bringing a very successful product from passenger cars to commercial vehicles,” says Christian Feldhaus, senior project manager of driveline technology at ZF.

The new transmission is based on the eight-speed automatic transmission, called 8HP, currently equipped in production cars from the Dodge Challenger Hellcat to the Lamborghini Urus and Ram 1500 pickup. The 8HP can be found in models across the Audi and BMW lineups as well.

ZF has built more than 15-million units of the 8HP since its introduction in 2008, Feldhaus said.

The new Powerline transmission, codenamed 8AP, is intended for buses, RVs, heavy-duty pickup trucks and medium-duty commercial vehicles.

“The advantage of the eight-speed automatic transmission compared with a six-speed is better fuel efficiency and it reduces torque interruption between shifts, a frequent problem in commercial vehicles that use an automated manual transmission,” he says.

“Engineers used lightweight materials and advanced software in the Powerline to reduce wear, improve driver comfort and increase fuel efficiency. The Powerline is up to 10% more efficient, produces up to 30% less noise and delivers up to 30% better acceleration compared with a conventional six-speed automatic.”

Fuel-saving techniques designed for commercial vehicles include a ‘sailing’ feature, which automatically places the transmission into neutral during a steep downgrade. There is also stop-start technology that puts the Powerline into neutral if the vehicle stops at a stoplight for several seconds.

It also features dual power take off, or PTO, units for external tools or machinery — a common necessity for commercial vehicles. The Powerline will be available with an optional integrated oil cooler.

“ZF is also preparing the Powerline with an eye toward emissions-free trucks. The transmission will be ‘hybrid-ready’ upon production, with a future version compatible with electric drive, Feldhaus added.