Ford Eschews GM-Developed 9-Speed Transmission

Ford Motor Co. is not using the 9-speed automatic transmission developed by General Motors Co. as part of the powertrain partnership the companies launched in 2013, Automotive News reports.

One of the 8-speed alternatives is based on GM’s 9-speed transmission. Ford will use the modified gearbox on the 2019-model Edge, Focus and Transit Connect models, plus the upcoming Lincoln Nautilus crossover vehicle.

For high-performance versions of the Edge and Nautilus, Ford is adding two gears to a 6-speed automatic developed as part of a 2002 partnership with GM. The third 8-speed transmission will be used in smaller vehicles with low-torque engines, AN says.

AN notes that fuel economy gains with GM’s 9-speed gearbox have been minimal at best. But GM says the transmission provides smoother shifting and an enhanced driving experience. The 9-speed’s wider gear spread also enhances off-the-line acceleration and highway cruising performance, according to the company.

As part of its 2013 partnership with GM, Ford developed a 10-speed automatic transmission for use in rear-wheel-drive vehicles. That gearbox, which debuted in 2016 on the Ford F-150 pickup and Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 sports car, is now used on six Ford/Lincoln models and four GM vehicles.