Ford Announces New Torqshift 5-Speed Automatic Transmission

Jun. 01, 2002 By ORC STAFF

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DEARBORN, Mich., May 28, 2002 – Ford Motor Company will introduce a new 5-speed automatic truck transmission called TorqShift® in early 2003. The 5-speed TorqShift is a newly designed automatic transmission scheduled for production this fall at Ford's Sharonville (Ohio) Transmission Plant, near Cincinnati. The new automatic will be available on mid-2003 model year Ford F-Series Super Duty pickups and Ford Excursion SUV models equipped with Ford’s new 6.0-liter Power Stroke Diesel® engine.

The new transmission and diesel engine were announced today by Dave Szczupak, Ford’s vice president of Powertrain Operations.

“We are very happy to officially announce that Sharonville will build the new TorqShift automatic,” Szczupak said. “This is a very important transmission for Ford Motor Company, for the Sharonville Transmission Plant and for our customers. Combined with our new Power Stroke Diesel engine, this is a powertrain combination that truck customers will love.”

With a newly designed 5-speed gearbox and new control system to help provide smoother shifts, the new TorqShift features higher first- and second-gear ratios to launch a truck loaded with cargo more quickly and smoothly. “We listened carefully to our truck customers,” said Barb Samardzich, chief engineer, Automatic Transmissions, Ford Motor Company. “They expect quick and consistent shifts, and that is exactly what we targeted as we developed the new TorqShift’s control system.”

TorqShift’s control system monitors the engine, transmission, vehicle speed and driver inputs to help optimize shift performance. A selectable tow-haul feature further enhances control by tailoring the up-shift schedule for optimized performance during these more demanding activities.

The tow-haul feature also senses when conditions call for increased engine braking and automatically schedules the appropriate downshift. The grade-braking feature functions in concert with speed control to help maintain the desired vehicle speed while descending grades.

TorqShift’s control body employs electronic solenoids to manage the transmission's clutch elements, eliminating the variability experienced with more conventional hydraulic spring/valve systems. The solenoids are placed close to the clutches, thereby minimizing response time. A filter screen is employed to help prevent contamination impacting the solenoids.

First shown in concept form at the North American International Auto Show in January, as the transmission behind Ford's Mighty F-350 Concept Truck, additional TorqShift highlights include:

More torque capability: An improved torque converter is designed to maximize the low-speed torque capability of the powertrain. During peak operating range, the transmission delivers an impressive 550 foot-pounds of torque to the wheels when mated with the 6.0-liter Power Stroke Diesel.

Improved cooling, lubrication and filtration systems: At the heart of the new automatic is a larger pump to promote better lubrication and cooling. An external filter similar in concept to the filter on the engine features a replaceable transmission oil filter cartridge to aid removal of contaminants from the transmission oil.

Power takeoff (PTO): The PTO unit allows operation in all gears over a variety of operating conditions. This allows the transmission to power auxiliary equipment through the driveline to run devices like snowplows, aerial lifts, tow trucks or dump trucks.

Comment Here - What About That New 5-Speed?

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Ford Announces New Torqshift 5-Speed Automatic Transmission

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