Twin Countershaft qearbox improves

摘要

A pioneering 10-speed automatic transmission that incorporates Allison's torque converter and twin countershaft design is promising optimised acceleration and higher fuel economy across a range of tractor unit duty cycles. Launched at the 2011 Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville, Kentucky, it is destined for availability, initially in North America, in late 2012. Lou Gilbert, Allison's US director of market development, says it has been designed to maximise productivity and fuel efficiency during cruising and stop-start operations. This is the first power-shifting, twin countershaft design for commercial vehicles, incorporating Allison's torque converter to deliver uninterrupted power to the wheels, he explains. Coupled with the smooth shifting and ease of operation that go with a fully automatic box, this new technology should provide OEMs and operators with a competitive and fuel-efficient alternative to automated manuals.