While many high-end autos are boasting seven or even eight gears in their transmissions, mainstream vehicles often are saddled with units including only half that many. The lack of mechanical gear ratios is rather detrimental to fuel economy, so we're happy to see that Ford is launching more six-speed units for both front- and rear-wheel-drive applications. The new 2009 F-150 will feature a six-speed, and considering the huge sales numbers of that vehicle, the 4 to 6 percent improvement in fuel efficiency on average should translate into a good deal of fuel savings. Also slated for six-speeders are the Ford Escape and Mercury Mariners when powered by the gasoline engine. The hybrids will continue to use a CVT.

Ford is also planning on bringing their dual-clutch Powershift transmission to America for upcoming models. The Powershift is available oversees already in the Euro Focus and is capable of providing a 10 percent decrease in fuel mileage.

The 308, one of the toughest competitors in the European compact hatchback market, is getting some improvements that increase efficiency and reduce fuel consumption.

First of all, the Peugeot 308 will be fitted to a new 6-speed manual transmission which allows lower rpm at cruising speed and increases mileage. If you add Michelin's Fuel Saver tires to this transmission mated to the highly praised 110 HP 1.6 HDi, the 308 gets about 52 mpg U. S. and produces 129 g/km CO₂. However, there's also a second transmission option: a 6-speed Electronic Gearbox Control which removes the need for a clutch pedal and changes speeds in 0.4 seconds. This also creates greater fuel efficiency, which means that, when mated to the 90 HP version of the 1.6 HDi, the mileage stays at 52 mpg, but CO₂ emissions go down to 120 g/km. And, last but not least, there's a third transmission that Peugeot is installing in the 308: a 6-speed automatic with tiptronic-like controls for the most powerful diesel available, the 136 HP 2.0-liter HDi. Finally, a new base-entry low-polluting gasoline engine model has been added to the line up: a 1.4 liter VTi good for 95 HP.

Currently, Peugeot is selling up to 7 versions of the 308 which produce 120 g/km CO₂. All PSA models are guaranteed to work with biodiesel mixtures up to 30 percent (B30).


[Source: Carpages]