New generation Zeroshift transmission allows engine downsizing, improved fuel consumption and reduced emissions, all at lower cost than traditional planetary automatics.

European Powertrain Company, Zeroshift, has introduced a modified version of its Zeroshift transmission. Having presented the second generation of its automatic gearbox technology last year Zeroshift has now moved into the next phase of development with two new actuator systems and a new industry standard control system aimed at making the integration of the high-efficiency transmission as simple as possible.

The new system replaces the synchromesh in a conventional manual gearbox with paired interlocking rings that allow ratios to be changed without torque interruption. Shifts are made via an automated actuation system. Marking a move up from the first generation Zeroshift transmission that was pneumatically operated and used six drive elements - specially contoured metal 'bullets' - to engage and disengage the drive gears in a similar manner to dog clutches, replacing the synchromesh found in a conventional gearbox, the new system is claimed to offer the refinement of a torque converter-based automatic and an anticipated improvement in economy of two percent compared to a manual gearbox, and seven percent compared to a six-speed planetary automatic.

To the vehicle manufacturer, it is said to offer CO2 reduction and a refined low-cost automatic transmission based mainly on proven components from a conventional manual transmission. Zeroshit is said to have used Matlab and Simulink for software development together with dSpace controller hardware for the new development. All three industry standard products, state industry sources, are widely used throughout the automotive business and provide a fast track for vehicle manufacturers to integrate Zeroshift technology into their own vehicle transmissions. Two new actuator systems being developed right now will also make the path to adopting the technology simpler, they add.

The newest development at Zeroshift is said to include two wheelers and others. This would involve an electric actuation system or a hydrualic one. According to Zeroshift sources the transmission technology offered by them is less expensive to manufacture than a continuously variable transmission (CVT) or a dual clutch transmission (DCT).