Ford's (F) PowerShift Transmission Allows For 10% Better Fuel Economy

Ford's (NYSE: F) new six speed PowerShift Automatic transmission will be issued in Fords Fiesta and Focus models. The transmission weighs 30lb. less than the current on in the 2011 Focus and will allow for better efficiency.

The company announced that the transmissions advanced feature include:

• Torque Hole Fill: A Ford-developed and patented innovation that
  eliminates the slight hesitation drivers feel during acceleration when
  the transmission upshifts into a higher gear. PowerShift sends a smooth,
  seamless stream of torque to the wheels for uninterrupted acceleration
• Hill Start Assist: If sensors detect the Fiesta or Focus on a slope of 5
  degrees or more, Hill Start Assist automatically prevents the car from
  rolling backward in the instant when the driver moves his or her foot
  from the brake to the accelerator. PowerShift's computer controls the
  brake pressure and engine to hold the car in place
• Neutral idle: This feature helps improve fuel economy by eliminating the
  drag a traditional hydraulic transmission puts on the engine when a
  vehicle is idling
• Reduced weight: PowerShift weighs nearly 30 pounds less than the
  four-speed automatic transmission in the 2011 Focus. Less weight helps
  improve fuel economy

The PowerShift consists of two transmissions in one. One clutch carries the odd gears, 1, 3 and 5, while the other carries the even gears, 2, 4 and 6, and reverse. PowerShift is an automatic because the gear changes are coordinated by a computer that directs the clutches to engage and disengage in a way that provides seamless delivery of torque to the wheels, even during gear changes.

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