Ford’s Mustang – which recently saw first time factory-backed introduction to our market since the 1960s – is set to benefit from a 10-speed automatic gearbox developed in collaboration with GM within the next 12 months.
The two Detroit giants settled their differences to develop the aforementioned 10-speed for north-south (RWD) applications, along with a nine-speed front-wheel drive unit which is starting to roll out in the Chevrolet Malibu Premier.
This information first came to light from Mustang6G forum, where a drop-down menu for a dealer revealed the option. It’s expected to be part of the model year 2018 update (2017 in Australia) for the recently-introduced Mustang.
Before the tenner, known as the 10R80, hits the Mustang, it will debut in the 2017 Ford SVT F-150 Raptor and the Chevrolet Camaro ZL-1, where it promises faster upshifts than Porsche’s PDK dual-clutch automatic gearbox (but no mention on downshifts).
It’s expected to be rolled out on all 5.0-litre Coyote-equipped versions, but it is unknown whether the EcoBoost 2.3 will also benefit from the extra ratios. In both cases, it could bring a dramatic reduction in fuel consumption. It’s unknown if the 3.7 Duratec will continue, or be replaced by the 2.7 EcoBoost V6 seen in the F-150 to give it an edge.
Some sources throughout the web think the Mustang Mach 1 special edition will be the first recipient. Either way, it looks as though two of autodom’s fiercest-ever rivals will soon be sharing a gearbox.
