Ford Decides to Go without GM’s Hydra-Matic 9T50
Recently, Ford has refused to use the 9-speed automatic transmission Hydra-Matic 9T50 developed by GM engineers as part of the partnership agreement. According to Ford representatives, they hoped for a better result from the partnership, especially regarding the transmission fuel efficiency.
Initially, both automakers were driven by the
idea to get two new transmissions for the price of one. Under the agreement,
signed 5 years ago, Ford had to develop a 10-speed transmission for rear-wheel
drive cars, such as F-150 or Mustang, and share it with General Motors. GM, in
turn, had to provide Ford with the 9-speed transmission. Under the existing
circumstances, when car manufacturers have to meet stringent environmental
standards and stay competitive in the auto industry, such agreement has been a
great opportunity for cost cutting.
The 10-speed automatic transmission GM Hydra-Matic 10L90 (also known as Ford 10R80) is the second part of the agreement between GM and Ford
However, Ford decided to drop the idea of using GM’s Hydra-Matic 9T50 in its vehicles and gave preference to two new 8-speed automatic transmissions. The first one was developed on the basis of the old 9-speed transmission, the second one was designed jointly with GM. The management of the company considered that the transmission solution proposed by GM does not provide sufficient fuel economy to justify additional financial costs. GM representative, in turn, claimed that their 9-speed automatic transmission is a good solution, which adds exquisiteness and ultimate luxury to cars.
ABOUT Hydra-Matic 9T50
The 9-speed automatic transmission Hydra-Matic
9T50 was developed by GM and showcased in 2016. One of peculiar features of
this transmission is the selective clutch, which can disconnect the
transmission from the engine and operate in the run-down mode. GM engineers
improved the design of clutches of planetary gear sets and interaction of gears
during shifting, which led to reduction of the transmission dimensions to the
size of the old 6-speed automatic transmission.
Moreover, this transmission is equipped with a
new torque converter with a hyperelliptic section, which also contributed to transmission’s
compactness and efficiency. This transmission also supports the start/stop
function. The hydraulic system of Hydra-Matic 9T50 with electronic control also
has an oil buffer integrated in the valve package cover. The automatic
transmission fluid (ATF) Dexron-VI with low level of degradation does not
require change under normal conditions.
