NEW POWERSHIFT TECHNOLOGY GIVES FORD FIESTA GREAT PERFORMANCE, EXCELLENT FUEL ECONOMY
- The Fiesta’s new PowerShift six-speed automatic transmission delivers top fuel efficiency
- With six-forward gears, PowerShift provides powerful performance, dual internal dry clutches reduce the internal friction associated with automatic transmissions
- PowerShift’s close gear ratios and advanced electronic controls help the Fiesta’s 1.6 engine run at peak operating efficiency
The new Ford Fiesta models will feature PowerShift transmission technology. The PowerShift dual-clutch six-speed combines the convenience of an automatic transmission with the performance and fuel economy of a manual transmission.
The availability of the PowerShift automatic transmission in the Fiesta is another step in Ford’s strategy to offer the latest technology to drivers in the B-segment.
Compared to traditional four-speed automatics, PowerShift can reduce fuel consumption by up to 9%, depending on the vehicle.
The new automatic transmission is less complex and increases responsiveness and performance, all while keeping the engine in peak operating mode. While most automatics use wet clutch plates submerged in oil, the PowerShift transmission features a dry clutch that transmits power and torque through manual clutch facings. The dry clutch set up does not require an oil pump, torque converter, fluids or the external coolers and lines that a wet clutch requires.
For customers, the advantages of PowerShift are immediately noticeable with improved driving dynamics.
To help improve Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) at low speeds, precise clutch control, achieved by the use of a clutch slip helps dampen engine vibrations. Rolling torque is controlled and gradually builds as brake pressure is released.
To help prevent the vehicle from rolling backwards on a hill, PowerShift includes Hill Hold and Hill Launch Assist (HLA). This feature maintains enough brake pressure for up to three seconds, or until the engine delivers enough torque to move the vehicle up the hill. The feature also works in reverse when backing up an incline.
A gradient assist function can be activated when climbing steep gradients where there may be a tendency for the transmission to continually shift between gears. By activating a button located on the gear lever, it allows for improved drivability in hilly terrain.
