MERCEDES has a seven-speed automatic and ZF makes an eight-speeder that goes into BMWs, Land Rovers and Jaguars but now the Range Rover Evoque is going one better with the world’s first nine-speed automatic gearbox.
The extra ratios will improve economy and the Evoque’s off-road capabilities
The new ‘box, also from ZF, is designed for cars with transverse engines.
Code-named 9HP, it promises better economy, thanks to higher top gear and smaller steps between ratios. Also, at the bottom end, lower ratios help the Evoque’s off-road capabilities – like the Freelander. Unlike Land Rover’s bigger cars, the Evoque doesn’t have a separate low-range setting for its gearbox, a feature that’s often regarded as the mark of a true off-roader.
Land Rover is trumpeting its role as ZF’s “lead partner” on the 9HP – usually, the German transmission specialist’s gearboxes make their first appearances in BMW models. Business buyers who like the Evoque but are perhaps deterred because of high business mileage should take another look.
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