2013 Geneva Motor Show: Land Rover brings world's first 9-speed auto 'box to Geneva

At the ongoing 2013 Geneva Motor Show, Land Rover has showcased a special version of its baby SUV, the Evoque fitted with a world-first 9-speed automatic gearbox. The ‘9HP’ 9-speed gearbox (designed and developed by German transmission specialist ZF) is said to be one of the most efficient and technically advanced transmissions ever used in a production vehicle.     

Thanks to the addition in the number of gear ratios from 6 to 9, the Land Rover claims this new revolutionary gearbox not only reduces fuel consumption but the lower engine revs improve comfort and reduce noise when cruising at high speed. A few other impressive features of the 9HP 9-speed gearbox is that it weighs 7.5 kg less than the current 6-speed unit and it can downshift two gears at once, thereby improving control under rapid deceleration.

The 9-speed auto ‘box equipped Evoque will make its debut early next year and will eventually make its way into rest of the Land Rover and Range Rover’s lineup of models.