Ford Powershift Availability Tripled

BRENTWOOD, UNITED KINGDOM – Aug 12, 2010: Ford's slick-shifting and efficient PowerShift transmission is now available on six different Ford models.

The Ford PowerShift transmission uses the latest electronically controlled twin-clutch technology to challenge the performance and fuel economy of a manual gearbox with the comfort and convenience of a conventional automatic transmission.

Originally launched in the Ford Focus and C-MAX, the six-speed PowerShift transmission is now also available on the Ford Kuga, Mondeo, S-MAX and Galaxy.

With the Ford Mondeo, S-MAX and Galaxy, PowerShift is fitted as standard to the new, advanced 2.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine. On these three models and on the Ford Kuga Focus and C-MAX, PowerShift can also be specified with the 2.0-litre Duratorq diesel engine, with resulting CO2 emissions as low as 149g/km.

“We are excited to extend the benefits of the PowerShift transmission to a much broader range of cars and engines within Ford’s line-up,” said Pat Oldani, Ford’s automatic transmission manager.

“PowerShift is the ideal choice for customers who want the comfort and ease-of-use provided by a conventional automatic, but who don’t want to sacrifice the sporty responses, superior fuel economy and low CO2 emissions delivered by a manual gearbox.”

The Ford PowerShift transmission has no clutch pedal; instead, the gearbox uses two automatically-controlled clutches to shift between gears almost instantaneously, providing a seamless flow of power to the wheels.

PowerShift avoids the inefficiencies associated with a traditional torque-converter automatic, leading to improved fuel economy and reduced CO2 emissions.

Drivers have the option of using a full automatic mode, a sport automatic mode or selecting gears manually. In sport mode, the transmission adopts a sports shift schedule for more dynamic performance, while manual mode allows the driver to enjoy quick, slick gear changes by moving the shift lever forwards or backwards.