ZF poised to replace AS-Tronic with TraXon
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ZF IS POISED TO replace its ground-breaking AS-Tronic automated gearbox with a completely new model that offers a host of additional features.
TraXon will still be available in 12or 16-speed versions but input torque capacity has been raised to keep pace with the escalation in engine torque outputs. Attention to the gear teeth profile and material hardening, plus a new casing design, has cut noise substantially, says ZF. Shift speed can be even faster too, when required.
But the real innovation is a GPS interface and new gearbox control software that modifies the shifting strategy to suit the topography. This is akin to the predictive cruise control systems revealed by Scania, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo, but whereas they all adjust the cruise control speed setting to suit the terrain, ZF’s new PreVision is focused solely on gear-shifting and does not need cruise control.
Armed with three-dimensional mapping and GPS, PreVision knows what lies ahead and adjusts the timing of gear-shifts accordingly to save fuel. It will also automatically disengage the clutch to allow coasting where safe to do so.
Production of TraXon starts next year, and will be phased in to replace AS-Tronic in early 2014, so one can expect to see it in Daf, MAN and Iveco Euro-6 heavy trucks.
● See CM 19 July for full review.