BMW is developing an “intelligent” transmission that uses GPS and other tech to read the road and shift accordingly.
The eight-speed gearbox would consider things like topography, road conditions and speed to select the optimal gear. Data is gathered via the car’s navigation and stability control systems, a cellular data connection and — down the line — onboard cameras and radar.
Such data would allow the car to determine the radius of the curve up the road, for example, and determine the best time to downshift. It also could “see” that nice section of curves and hold that lower gear so you can flog the corners most effectively.
BMW says the transmission “adapts remarkably accurately” to varying situations and works as well as an experienced driver using a manual gearbox. The gearbox provides “an increase in driving pleasure and optimized efficiency,” the company says.
It’s probably a couple of years down the line, but BMW says the transmission is in “advanced development” using the ZF eight-speed offered in the 5- 7- and X- series
Souce: Wired.com
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