it's all about gears!

[gone-ot]

I am STILL waiting for Detroit, et.al., to start using the "ferro-magnetic-fluid" coupling torque-converter that they designed back in 1970-1980's...an off-shoot of the ferro-magnetic shock absorbers, which Corvettes use.

"Slips" like proverbial 'hot knife-thru-soft butter' when NOT energized, but "locks" as solid as a mechanical clutch when FULLY energized. But the "creme-de-la-creme" feature is the transitions are SMOOTH via computer control of the magnetic field(s): soft for OEM, medium for firmer shifts, and stiff for RACERS, etc..

[P-hack]

Originally Posted by rmay635703

Gears are a gimmic

I think of it more as diminishing returns. Once you are rolling you have the ability to accelerate within ~5% of bsfc peak with a 5 speed (or climb hills). But yes, ANYTHING on a Lexus is a gimmick.

[NeilBlanchard]

It's all about drivetrain efficiency. And aerodynamic drag. And weight. And parasitic friction.

[user removed]

It's a step in the right direction. 80% potential improvement from powertrain efficiency alone. That's why we hypermile (I want a new name for it).
It's also a gruelingly slow process.
Manufacturers don't want to build the best car they can. It would ruin planned obsolescence.
What could they sell you for a replacement?
It will come down to "you can't get the parts for it anymore."

regards
Mech

[user removed]

If the 6 speed in my Fiesta was a 7 speed taching 2k at 62 MPH, I could probably consistently average over 50 MPG, tank to tank. Fix everything else Neil mentioned and it would be 60+ MPG. with an automatic (automated manual) transmission.

That my friends makes it a hybrid and a diesel competitor.

regards
Mech

[Frank Lee]

Why would a 7 speed be better than a 6 speed with a proper top gear?

[rmay635703]

Originally Posted by Frank Lee

Why would a 7 speed be better than a 6 speed with a proper top gear?

I wouldn't mind a 12 speed with my 6.2 diesel suburban, 120hp pulling 7 tons on a grade could benefit from this It also would be fun since I like shifting.

Now back to reality I don't think more gears is a huge benefit unless you don't plan on being able to use some of the higher gears 75% of the time.

[user removed]

Good point Frank. Having driven this type of automated manual, either way would be fine with me. More gears might work better with the engine in the Fiesta, but that would be offset by the additional fluid resistance losses you have mentioned before.

I'd like to see mine with transonic injectors, if I want to dream.

Torquey motors do it with fewer gears but look at the efficiency of big rigs with a lot of gears.

regards
Mech

[user removed]

More gears allows you to have an engine that was designed to take best advantage of more gear choices. Low RPM high torque without top end performance. Eliminate the maximum power output and make the reciprocating masses lighter. More diesel like power band.

regards
Mech

[Cobb]

All the more reason you should have a cvt, so you have an infinite number of "gears".

I wished I had a slider like on the dash or something to push in or pull out that varied the ratio.

I use to play with tractors back in the day and it was a trade off between setting the engine speed for load and any pto attachments, then the gearing for the right speed.

I have a troy bilt bronco lawn tractor with cvt. I for the most part set the engine to slow and work the petal for fast or slow. I am really adjusting the governor for the throttle, so if it starts to load or bog up it throttles up to maintain rpms. When it comes to cutting grass I throttle up a quarter, engage the deck and give it less petal to go slower.