ZF AS Tronic
ZF AS Tronic is a semi-automatic/manual transmission made by ZF Friedrichshafen for the motorcoach and lorry market in Europe and North America which was first introduced in 2003.[1][2] To the driver, it behaves like an automatic transmission, but allows the driver to switch from a manual mode with a touch of a button. Note though, it takes longer to reach full speed on a bus with this transmission than it does with a bus equipped with, say, an Allison B500R automatic transmission.
As it is in part a manual transmission, it lacks the torque converter that is standard on automatic transmissions-an AS Tronic has been quoted as being 500 pounds less than the B500. Some coach operators are choosing this transmission for better fuel economy over automatics.
This transmission is offered as a 10-speed[3] or 12-speed transmission.
References
- â "ZFâs AS Tronic Transmission Moves into High Gear" (PDF). BusMag. Retrieved 11 July 2012.
- â "Terberg and ZF launch ZF AS-Tronic MID in Terminal Tractor". Terberg Benschop. Retrieved 11 July 2012.
- â "Test Driving the J4500 and ZF AS Tronic Transmission" (PDF). BusMag. Retrieved 11 July 2012.