BoldtsWagon

From the Allpar.com web site, an Oct 17 news item:

http://www.allpar.com/news/listdir.php3?top=Chrysler

"In more sobering news, we have heard that the automatically shifted manual transmission developed by Chrysler engineers may be entirely jettisoned, despite its clear advantages over competing systems - including an instant-start feature (no rolling downhill, and faster takeoffs), dual clutches for extra smooth shifts especially between first and second gear, and the ability to easily override the system for "manual" shifting. The replacement would be a version of a DaimlerChrysler AG system already in use on Freightliner trucks. This system was reportedly to replace the four-speed automatic in truck use. Either system would clearly be an improvement, with little loss of power compared with the current 17-20% losses (the old TorqueFlite had roughly-7% losses)."

It appears the transmission in question might be:

http://www.freightliner.com/news/pre...ail.asp?id=232

6 speed, up to 660 ft lb torque.

Go to the bottom of:

http://www.freightlinertrucks.com/tr...nsmissions.asp

and download the pdf file for the brochure on the tranny.

346 lbs, gear ratios of 6.70, 3.81, 2.29, 1.48, 1.00, 0.73 OD, and 6.29 reverse. Manual or automatic operation.

Looks like a winner to me.