Page 1/5, 2015-04-20 Start of Volume Production: New Generation of the ZF 8-Speed Automatic Transmission in the BMW 5 Series Further savings potential of up to three percent Focus of developers: Reducing drag torques and engine speed Modular transmission construction kit predestined for downsizing engines Higher savings potential in terms of consumption and CO2 combined with increased ride comfort and dynamics: The successful 8-speed automatic transmission (8HP) has been characterized by these advantages since the start of production in 2009. All of the advantages are now even more pronounced in the second generation that has been in volume production since July 2014 in the BMW 520d. The new 8HP offers comprehensive further developments that range from lower drag torques and higher spread through to improved torsional vibration absorption. Gradually, the new 8HPs from ZF are being deployed in further models and with many automotive manufacturers worldwide. "Our longstanding customer BMW is impressively demonstrating how to successfully make vehicles more efficient yet more dynamic at the same time," stated Dr. Jürgen Greiner, head of Passenger Car Transmission Development at ZF Friedrichshafen AG. "Therefore, we are particularly delighted that the premium manufacturer is the first OEM to rely on the second generation of our 8-speed automatic transmission that, when it comes to these criteria, is also groundbreaking. Through many further developments, we have made the 8HP significantly more efficient compared to the predecessor transmission up to three percent in total.
Page 2/5, 2015-04-20 The new 8HP entered volume production at the start of July in the BMW 520d as the 8HP50 version that is designed for torques of up to 500 Nm. In the future, the 8HP75 will be part of the ZF portfolio for drives with even higher torque of up to 750 Nm. Gradually, all further automotive manufacturers to whom ZF has already supplied the 8HP in more than 1,000 vehicle applications will utilize the latest generation of the 8HP. Optimized for downsizing and downspeeding The new 8HP combines many technological advances: Above all, ZF has further optimized the new transmission generation for the requirements of modern engine technology. This is due to the fact that, in order to meet the forthcoming CO2 emission specifications without losses in terms of torque and performance, there are two central trends when it comes to combustion units: Downsizing, which means turbocharged engines with fewer cylinders, and less engine displacement and downspeeding, which is the reduction of the engine speeds combined with a maximum torque that is applied at a very early stage. It is the reduction of the speeds in particular that demands transmissions with a higher spread which is why ZF has increased it from 7.0 to 7.8 on the new 8HP by means of optimized gearsets. "This measure alone reduces the speed across all gears by 50 revolutions per minute on average and reduces fuel consumption by almost one percent," explained Jürgen Greiner. Furthermore, the ZF developers have succeeded in once again reducing the internal transmission losses. This is primarily ensured by the new multidisk separation: Additional springs integrated into the multidisk packages of the shift elements ensure that the friction shift elements are almost fully opened and, consequently, cause less drag torque. "Compared to the first 8HP model range, we have reduced the power losses by more than two-thirds with the new generation," emphasized Greiner.
Page 3/5, 2015-04-20 Meanwhile, a further innovative function minimizes the creeping torques: A clutch is now fully opened during deceleration and when the vehicle is stationary. "Consequently, it is no longer necessary to 'brake' against the drive," explains Jürgen Greiner. Another benefit is that the oil pump belonging to the ZF automatic transmission works with a system pressure that has been reduced from 5 to 3.5 bar and, as a result, requires less energy overall. Furthermore, the objective was to take the changing vibration behavior of the increasingly economical yet, at the same time, more powerful downsizing units into account. Therefore, all 8HP automatic transmissions feature particularly advanced torsional vibration dampers: These dampers eliminate the vibrations that occur on the engine side in a particularly effective manner so that they are unable to move further along and into the driveline and the body. The newly developed torque converter contributes to downspeeding because the hydrodynamic transmission of power can be bridged even more quickly this enables traveling with a closed lock-up clutch at an early stage and at an extremely low engine speed. Optimized start/stop and coasting function The tailored, fuel-efficient uncoupling of the transmission in connection with a temporary engine stop, the so-called coasting function, is now possible at speeds up to 160 km/h. At the other end of the speed scale, ZF has further optimized the optional start/stop function of the 8HP: After the vehicle has come to a stop, it stops the engine without any discernible delay instead of after 1.5 seconds as was previously the case. However, dynamics is not neglected despite the great fuel-saving potential: Amongst other things, the new transmission control unit enables nested multiple downshifts which permits the 8HP to respond in an even more spontaneous and dynamic manner where necessary.
Page 4/5, 2015-04-20 Captions 1.) The enhanced second generation of the 8-speed automatic transmission (8HP) is designed to provide effective support to automotive manufacturers in meeting the ever-stricter legal CO2 standards and in a cost-effective manner in combination with conventional or hybridized drives. 2.) Premiere in the BMW 5 Series: The 520d is the first production model to come off the production line with the new ZF 8HP transmission generation. Images: ZF (1), BMW (2) Press Contact: Keren Jiang, Manager Marketing Communication, Phone: +86 21 3761 7043; Email: keren.jiang@zf.com Xiaonan Zhu (Amy), Marketing Communication, Phone: +86 21 3761 7933; E-mail: xiaonan.zhu@zf.com Thomas Wenzel, Senior Manager Product Communication and Trade Press, Communications, ZF Group Phone: +49 7541-77 2543; Email: thomas.wenzel@zf.com ZF is a global leader in driveline and chassis technology with 113 production companies in 26 countries. In 2014, the Group achieved a sales figure of 18.4 billion with approximately 71,400 employees. In order to continue to be successful with innovative products, ZF invested about 5 percent of its sales (2014: 891 million) in research and development. ZF is one of the ten largest automotive suppliers worldwide. In 2015, the company will celebrate its centennial. Originally named Zahnradfabrik GmbH, ZF was founded in Friedrichshafen in 1915 by Luftschiffbau Zeppelin GmbH among others. In its early years, the company developed, tested and manufactured aircraft transmissions. After 1919, the company's focus shifted to the automotive and commercial vehicle industry under Alfred Graf von Soden-Fraunhofen, the first general manager and later head of the company. In this sector, the company registered numerous patents for innovative transmission technology and established itself once and for all as a
Page 5/5, 2015-04-20 major technology supplier. ZF grew outside of Europe in 1958 with a location in Brazil, launching a globalization drive that still continues. In addition, through product innovations and acquisitions, ZF constantly expanded its range of expertise. In 1984, ZF acquired the majority share in Lemförder Metallwaren & Co. KG, a move that extended the product portfolio to include chassis technology. In 2001, ZF took over the former Mannesmann Sachs AG to strengthen its value added product offering with driveline and chassis components. It adopted the current name of ZF Friedrichshafen AG in 1992. Today's product range includes driveline and chassis technology such as transmissions, driveline and chassis components, as well as complete axle systems and modules. ZF products are used in passenger cars, commercial vehicles, construction and agricultural machinery, rail vehicles and marine applications. The company also focuses on the wind power and electronic components business. In addition, ZF Services represents the company on the international aftermarket. In 2014, ZF announced its intention to acquire U.S. automotive supplier TRW. The shareholders of ZF Friedrichshafen AG are the Zeppelin Foundation, administered by the City of Friedrichshafen, holding a share of 93.8 percent, and the Dr. Jürgen and Irmgard Ulderup Foundation, Lemförde, with 6.2 percent. "Motion and Mobility," ZF s tagline, clearly states the company's core mission: Right from its foundation, ZF has developed and manufactured innovative products for all people around the globe who want to move things reliably, comfortably and safely all while experiencing the ultimate in efficient mobility. Quality, technological leadership and innovative power have always defined the company's identity today as much as ever. For further press information and photos please visit: www.zf.com