Friction technology for ZF 8-speed auto transmission

BorgWarner's friction materials and plates improve drag loss, contribute to increased fuel economy and lower emissions.

BorgWarner has been selected to supply its friction materials and plates for the new ZF 8-speed automatic transmission (8HP), debuting on the 2010 BMW 760i. BorgWarner's friction technology helps reduce drag losses, allowing the transmission to achieve improved fuel economy and outstanding performance.

"The ZF 8HP automatic transmission shifts gears in only fractions of a second. BorgWarner's superior friction technology meets these demanding performance requirements consistently," said John Sanderson, President and General Manager, BorgWarner Drivetrain Systems. "We value our long-standing relationship with ZF and are pleased to contribute to the performance and efficiency of this remarkable new state-of-the-art transmission."

BorgWarner friction plates and materials are used at key clutch positions to meet ZF's high requirements for efficiency and shift performance. BorgWarner uses an advanced production process to manufacture the multi-segmented friction material produced in Heidelberg, Germany. BorgWarner's friction plate technology also enables neutral idle control (NIC) to further enhance fuel economy.

In addition to the new 8HP transmission, BorgWarner supplies friction materials and one-way clutches for ZF's current 6HP transmission models.