Jeep transmission prospects

[haven]

Jeep is using an 8 speed automatic transmission across the Grand Cherokee line in 2014. Every model, from gas V6 to diesel to gas V8, will use the 8 speed automatic. Car and Driver says the 8 speed adds 1 mpg to the fuel economy of the V6, and gets the V6 GC to 60 one second faster.
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2014-jeep-grand-cherokee-v-6-4x4-8at-test-review

The 2014 Cherokee's 2.4L four and 3.2L six cylinder engines are transversely mounted. So it would take a considerable re-design to fit these engines into the Wrangler. That makes me think Jeep will stick with the 3.6L longitudinally mounted V6 in the Wrangler for the next couple of years.

So the next power train update for the Wrangler probably will be the 8 speed automatic from the Grand Cherokee. I don't expect to see the 8 speed in the Wrangler until 2015.

The newfangled 9-speed transmission has delayed production of the new Cherokee.
http://jalopnik.com/jeep-had-to-delay-2014-cherokee-because-of-9-speed-tran-1031461191

 

[brianjwilson]

Sounds horrible. I can only imagine how much an 8 speed transmission is constantly shifting and hunting if you're driving in traffic, passing, towing etc.

 

[Justincredible]

I find it hard to believe an extra shift gets anything to 60 faster, although I guess it really just depend how tall the first 3 gears are.

 

[jeeps4fun]

Sounds horrible. I can only imagine how much an 8 speed transmission is constantly shifting and hunting if you're driving in traffic, passing, towing etc.

From everything I've read, it hunts less cause there is always a gear close I'm ratio to bump to and the ratios are close so you as the driver barely notice

 

[Metcalf]

Most of these new transmissions have MUCH wider overall ratios. 1st gear is down in the 4:1 range with the top overdrive being a 0.6:1 ratio give or take.

The general feel is going to depend on the programming. All the new transmissions are clutch to clutch units integrated with the engine. Basically the computer uses the DBW throttle body to help speed match everything together.