Quote:
Originally Posted by wije
I’m in the market for a new Ranger and researching the benefit of going with the tried and tested 3.2l 6 speed auto vs the new soon to be released 2l bi turbo 10 speed auto. The price addition of $1200 is not significant enough to be the deciding factor.
I do not plan frequent towing but will be off roading rather more often on a variety of surfaces ranging from gravel and sand to rocky. This will of course be mixed in with frequent freeway and city driving.
I am interested in any opinions out there on the capability of a 10 speed transmission (or perceived capability given it is not available for testing yet!) off road as most tests done thus far on such transmissions (Ford F150) have been on tarmac or towing focused. A concern is the possibility of gear hunting with the larger number of gears on surfaces that transition from low to high traction constantly such as going from sand to gravel or rock. Thanks!
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Doubtful you will notice much other than smoother shifting and what we consider an extreme loss of shift shock as its commonly termed. Manufactures are constantly looking for the approach of creating a smooth shifting transmission and the only way to do that is to add gears in progressive mannerisms that ideally transitions that feeling of "Smooth"..
With that you are or will be seeing an increase in automated systems that are geared towards the end user being able to change through onboard computer systems that collaborate between transmissions, suspension, transfer cases, even ride height in some instances like Range Rovers and other higher line brands as these modern equipment components trickle down into the lesser but wildly known brands.
i.g. Mercedes at one time brought forth technology of sensors that would stop a car in a mass majority of average traffic situations to minimize or stop altogether an accident and was ONLY available on their high line cars. Now you can find those features on a darn Hyundai Elantra of all cars.
So transitioning from different terrain again there will likely be an auto mode that works [thinks] for you and more specific Mud/Snow/Ice settings if that simplifies things some.
Personally, im not a big fan of the Automatic transmissions. Granted they do offer some amazing if not more capabilities than the standard transmissions. But in my personal preference the standard trans is more fun to drive and does offer a couple things that you will never get an Auto trans to mimic or do and at a far lesser maintenance & upkeep cost.