Allison launches WT range
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• Allison has begun production of its new World Transmission (WT) range of electronically controlled automatic gearboxes.
The transmission, which is claimed to be lighter and more efficient than the company's existing products, gets its first European application in the Rapier, Dennis's advanced new fire engine chassis.
The version used by the Rapier is the MD (medium duty) transmission, which is the first model in the WT family to be produced; it is designed for trucks with outputs up to 205kW (275hp).
The MD will be joined by variants for both lighter (AD) and heavy duty (HD) applications. Bus versions of the three trans missions will be launched alongside the truck models and by 1994 the WT range should cover most vehicles up to 330kW (440hp).
The new gearboxes will be produced in parallel with Allison's existing AT, MT, and HT transmissions, but eventually production of the older designs is expected to cease.
Allison revealed details of the WT programme as long ▪ ago as 1988 and has been talking to vehicle manufacturers for some time: Dennis, for example, designed the Rapier chassis specifically for the new transmission.
Allison is keen to expand the range of applications for its automatics and is setting up fleet trials in the UK for operators including Scottish & Newcastle Breweries.
The electronic control used on the MD is claimed to improve the transmission's fuel economy and benefit shift quality. It also offers features such as performance/economy settings, self diagnostics, and the ability to respond to changing driver demands and vehicle weights.
Allison plans to give the WT range its formal launch at the Geneva Show next January.