Transmission maker ZF has announced plans to produce an 8-speed automatic transmission that will likely be used in future Ford, BMW and VW vehicles. The transmission called the “8HP” will be used in the new 2009 BMW 7-Series that will debut in late 2008.
Ford’s PAG (Land Rover, Volvo and Jaguar) and VW’s Audi will use the upcoming transmission in future luxury models as well.
The new transmission will allow the automakers to compete against Toyota. Toyota is the only automaker that currently has an 8-speed transmission on the market (Lexus LS460 and the upcoming Lexus IS-F).
Rumor has it that GM is also working on an 8-speed transmission for Cadillac.
