MotorAuthority

Mercedes Benz seeks 8-speed dual-clutch gearbox

Posted Thu Aug 30 2007 9:21 PM by Kenneth Hall

Mercedes is considering outsourcing production of transmissions for its next-gen A, B and C-class models, which could also lead to the closure of its current transmission plant in Zuffenhausen, Germany. The decision is said to be backed by CEO Dieter Zetsche, who considers the development of new transmissions as non-core to Mercedes. By outsourcing the development and manufacturing process to an outside supplier, engineers could potentially reduce costs and improvement innovation, a Mercedes insider revealed to Auto Motor und Sport.

According to the source, Mercedes is also seeking a supplier for a new eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox, giving it an edge over both Lexus and BMW who both plan to rely on fully-automatic eight-speed transmissions. A dual-clutch gearbox is better in both fuel-consumption and straight-line speed when compared with conventional autos. Mercedes is hoping that either Getrag or ZF develops and manufactures the new gearbox as designing the box itself would be too costly for the carmaker.

Story Tags:

• Mercedes Benz

Reader Comments

• Thu Aug 30 2007 11:24 PM

  biturbo says

  Dual-clutch, sweet!
  It amazes me that Mercedes is moving to buy the best of the best. Think of it, their current top dog, the SLR super-car has a 5 speed slushbox with torque converter :)

• Fri Aug 31 2007 1:09 AM

  Gus says

  That dual clutch technology seems like the way to go for a performance car.
  8 speeds, wow. I still only have 4 plus overdrive. I'm such a loser...