4-speed automatics on their way out

[GTPGuy82]

http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/07/4-speed-automatics-on-their-way-out/

4-speed automatics on their way out
Posted Aug 7th 2006 9:54PM by John Neff
Filed under: Tech

Transmission supplier Jatco Ltd. believes that by 2015 the 4-speed automatic transmission will be no more. Shigeo Ishida, president of the company, says that newer transmission technologies, like 6-speed automatics and CVTs, will rapidly replace the quartet of cogs that had for some time been a standard in most autos.

It is true that 4-speed automatics are fast becoming a criticism of vehicles that still use them. The Corvette made do with a 4-speed auto all the way up to its 2006 model year, for instance, when it was replaced by a six-speed unit. Of course, the Vette had more than enough torque to make up for its lack of gears, as do pickups like GM's new GMT900 trucks that are also debuting with 4-speed automatics.

[Source: Automotive News]

[beitodesstrafe]

I can't say that's a bad thing

[redsun_ty]

yeah they should get rid of the 4 speed!! I hate my 4 speed Automatic no manual was offered for mine !!

[GTPGuy82]

I find it funny though because cars in the 60s only needed 3 gears to get by, and some had four. Cars like the Stingray are just as fast, if not faster than cars today, and they didn't need 5+ gears. Is more really better?

[beitodesstrafe]

there were some 2-speed autos

[mrslcom]

I find it funny though because cars in the 60s only needed 3 gears to get by, and some had four. Cars like the Stingray are just as fast, if not faster than cars today, and they didn't need 5+ gears. Is more really better?

More is definitely better. Theoretically, CVT is the best. GM transmissions (and some engines) are really technologically behind the competition. If we have a 6 speed auto in the G6, it will give noticeably better acceleration and better gas mileage.

[Toyz]

Definitely not a bad thing if you ask me. With all the crap they are doing these days i cant beleive there are still trannys that perform like these do. Tons of power in the motors but the trannys hold the car back.

[beitodesstrafe]

do we have to call them trannys?

I think this is one word worth spelling out...

[dre256]

I really cant belive the 4spd has been around as long it has been as a primary tranny. A 5spd auto for years is more practial, performance and MPG

[GTPGuy82]

I think of having more of something is probably good..but then there are more things that can go wrong with it.