Tech Briefs
July 2003
Mercedes automatically goes from 5 to 7
Mercedes-Benz has ratcheted up automatic transmission technology a notch by announcing a seven-speed unit that will be fitted as standard on several of its V8 models this fall. When ZF introduced its six-speed auto and launched it in the latest BMW 7 Series, there were rumors that a seven-speed might follow, although the company gave no indication of it. Now, Mercedes has revealed its own seven-speed, called 7G-Tronic, to be fitted as standard to the E 500, S 430, S 500, CL 500 and SL 500. Previously, Mercedes used five-speed autos (it has six-speed manuals), but has taken the decision to skip a six-speed auto to get ahead of the opposition.
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