Ford‘s latest patent filing in the U.S. hints that the automaker might be looking into a new 11-speed automatic transmission.
According to AutoGuide, the filing outlines three possible configurations for the transmission using a combination of clutches, brakes and gears. Paul Seredynski, Ford’s powertrain spokesman, didn’t confirm the automaker is developing a new transmission, but the idea is definitely in the pipeline.
“As a technology leader, we submit patents on innovative ideas as a normal course of business,” he said. “Patent submissions help protect our new ideas but do not necessarily indicate future business or product plans.”
Currently, Ford is on the cusp of introducing a new 10-speed automatic transmission, set to first appear in the upcoming F-150 Raptor. Combined with the F-150’s weight savings over the previous model, adding yet another gear should yield even better fuel economy results.
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