Transmissions for German OEMs

(Image: Porsche)

There is a sudden burst of news about transmissions and German auto makers.

1. Porsche. The company has announced that the 2020 911 Carrera S and 4S Coupe and Cabriolet models will be available with a seven-speed manual in place of the standard eight-speed Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) transmission. This is a no-cost option. What’s interesting is that the vehicles with the seven-speed will come with what is called the “Sport Chrono Package,” which includes Dynamic Drivetrain Mounts, a rev-match function and other features that are of a racing nature. Those who like to shift like to drive.
2. BMW Group. The Bavarian builder has awarded supplier Magna with the Tier One’s biggest order for transmissions in its history. Magna will be manufacturing dual-clutch transmissions—including hybrid variants—for BMW Group front-wheel drive platforms: the transmissions will be deployed in more than 170 vehicle applications. An interesting aspect of the hybrid versions is that they will package in the same space as the non-hybrids, even though the hybrid transmission will include a 48-volt high-revving electric motor within the transmission housing. The transmissions for BMW will be manufactured by Magna in its plants in Neuenstein, Germany, and Kechnec, Slovakia.
   

    

   (Image: BMW Group-Magna)