Is 8 Enough? Transmissions Meet the Need for Speeds

AMONG the technology features that will distinguish the 2007 Lexus LS 460 when it goes on sale next month is an eight-speed automatic transmission. An industry first, the Lexus gearbox will top the mere seven speeds offered on certain Mercedes-Benz and BMW models — even the $1.2 million Bugatti Veyron — and handily outclass the four-, five- and six-speed transmissions in widespread use today.

Is there a need for so many speeds? If so, is it a need based on engineering or on marketing?

A little of both, actually: Officially, Lexus says that eight ratios were necessary to meet its goals for acceleration and fuel economy. Sure enough, specifications released by the company confirm that the new car is quicker than its predecessor and uses less fuel, even though it weighs more.

As for marketing, the chief engineer of the LS 460, Satoru Maruyamano, told Automotive News, a trade publication, that Lexus wanted to be the first with eight speeds.

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BMW530i - 9/11/2006 4:23:34 PM

+1 Boost

If it is light weight and truly does aid performance and fuel economy, then let it be.

matt635 - 9/11/2006 4:44:44 PM

+1 Boost

hmmm...

The MAN TGA has a 12 speed auto box... maybe if lexus fitted this gearbox they'd get even better performance and economy.

...

to save you googling it.. it's a lorry

AlexTx - 9/11/2006 4:59:56 PM

+1 Boost

The only difference is that the Bugatti has....DSG!!

Rupert - 9/11/2006 5:03:07 PM

+1 Boost

will, i wouldn't say 7 speeds is good. imo it is too many. 5 speeds seemed enough to me, but 6 is fine. if you really need more than 6, get a cvt. it would be lighter, surely? just people are scared by them.

remember the days of the gm 2 speed hydramatic? i don't, i'm not 60 ;)

S4cabriofox - 9/11/2006 6:34:17 PM

+2 Boost

If you need more than six, get a DSG! Fastest-shifting automatic transmission on the market!

The major flaw with this one is that, like we read, where the LS460 ran 0-60 in about 6.5 seconds, the first gear is too tall. Why do they need a tall first gear if they have eight speeds?

Lexus overestimated their acceleration times, in a nutshell.

answer - 9/11/2006 6:43:49 PM

+1 Boost

The new Tesla roadster only has two speeds.

As long as the car is desgined properly, 1 gear or 100 gears doesn't really matter. Just make sure they work!

wwww - 9/11/2006 8:35:54 PM

+2 Boost

i think it's more of a marketing gimmick than its intended functional purpose. If they were to design something so radical and new and class leading, they should have announce it before mercedes' 7speed or bmw's.

now it seems like a marketing strategy to out do the germans

S4cabriofox - 9/11/2006 9:39:23 PM

+1 Boost

wwww-

Does BMW have a seven-speed? I remember the M5/M6's SMG having seven speeds, unless I'm making that up, because it wasn't at all publicized. BMW didn't make the seven-speed first, Mercedes did, so there's no need in mentioning BMW.

Seven speeds was borderline obnoxious, but eight speeds is just too much, especially with that tall first gear... Will, get ready for some slow launches in your new 460...

kart1 - 9/12/2006 12:07:38 AM

0 Boost

I guess when a German make does something it is great, but when the greatest threat does something, i.e. Lexus, then it sucks because it is Lexus. This is the philosophy of German auto fans. Well anyway, like saying this will make a difference in biased people's minds.

So I guess in-dash cd changers suck because MB & BMW don't have it right? Yeah it is really great that the driver has to the trunk to change the cd's.

Matthew1 - 9/12/2006 3:04:11 AM

+2 Boost

Oh, and I guess the LS will be primarily used for towing...

Rupert - 9/12/2006 2:22:56 PM

+2 Boost

towing isn't very important in europe.
the sea is always close enough.
i don't think towing is a huge consideration for our market.
america, of course, may be different.

S4cabriofox - 9/12/2006 6:59:09 PM

+1 Boost

Will, read what I said:

"Seven speeds was borderline obnoxious, but eight speeds is just too much, especially with that tall first gear... Will, get ready for some slow launches in your new 460..."

I never thought that the 7-Speed in the S-Class was great, but it at least helps performance a bit. But since the 8-Speed Lexus transmission is oddly ratioed, their cars are actually slower with it than the six-speed they have now.

And I can drag BMWs (and beat them) pretty easily with my six-speed in Sport Mode.

BMW530i - 9/13/2006 8:06:18 AM

+1 Boost

You guys actually believe people are going to buy the LS to tow? That's certainly not why I'm buying it.
--------------------------------------------

I've seen S-Classes in Europe being used to tow stuff. Heck, I even saw an old SL from the early 1990s towing a mobile home!

In the US though, "towing luxury cars" would never fly.