enviremnt

Antonov staged the launch of the first model of its six-speed automatic transmission (the TX6) at the Chinese Chengdu A1 Grand Prix. (Earlier post.)

Antonov displayed the new transmission fitted to a 1.6L VW Golf demonstration vehicle.

Antonov’s major innovation for an electronically controlled six-speed automatic transmission is based on new kinematics (the motion of the gears and other components) and structural design, which achieves a combination of planetary gears and parallel transfers of power.

The traditional torque converter has been eliminated, reducing cost, weight and size, while improving mechanical efficiency. In addition, the transmission uses components similar to those of current production automatics, offering Chinese carmakers low development costs and the ease of introducing a new product into production. The transmission is protected by worldwide patents.

This is an important milestone for the company as it represents the first time a production ready Antonov automatic transmission within a demonstration vehicle has been marketed to potential Chinese automotive clients. We have already successfully demonstrated the vehicle in Europe and now have underpinned this progress by enabling Chinese domestic car brands to assess Antonov’s six speed automatic transmission directly.

—John Moore, CEO