CarBuyersNoteBook

For the BMW fans who are awaiting to get their hands on the BMW 760i, expect an added bonus to come with it. ZF technology will significantly enhance the comfort, safety, economy and performance of the new BMW 760i with its new 8-speed automatic transmission, CDC2e variable damping system, Active Roll Stabilization (ARS), and the Servotronic steering system.

The BMW 760i marks the first application for the ZF 8-speed automatic transmission. The new design shifts in milliseconds, and improves fuel economy by 6 percent over the second-generation ZF 6-speed, and by 14 percent over 5-speed automatics still commonly used. The 8-speed automatic can be adapted for mild and full hybrid use simply by adding an electric motor in place of the torque converter. In a mild hybrid application, an additional 15 percent fuel savings can be achieved.

CDC2e, called “Dynamic Damping Control” by BMW, is an advancement of the Continuous Damping Control (CDC) system from ZF Sachs, the Powertrain and Suspension Components Division of ZF. CDC2e features two electronically adjustable proportional valves per damper that individually regulate the damping characteristics depending on road condition.

The CDC2e system is cross-linked with the ARS system, also known as “BMW Dynamic Drive,” in the 760i to improve body roll characteristics and driving dynamics by working to keep the vehicle level while in motion. The stabilizer can also be decoupled, keeping the vehicle stable when only one side is traveling on a bumpy surface.

Another standard feature on the BMW 760i is the speed-dependent rack-and-pinion Servotronic steering system from ZF Lenksysteme, a joint venture between ZF Friedrichshafen AG and Robert Bosch GmbH. With Servotronic, steering at slow speeds requires less effort while the system tightens at higher speeds to increase performance feel. Active steering is available as an option and adapts to the driving situation electronically, adjusting for vehicle speed, cross winds, or evasive maneuvers.

ZF is a leading worldwide supplier of driveline and chassis technology, with approximately 64,000 employees at 119 locations in 25 countries and total sales of $16.3 billion in 2008.

(Source) Press