rumors

[RustyJC]

To me, the advantage of a 6-speed automatic would be:



1. Having the right gear for any conditions. I spent too much time towing a 5th wheel with a V-10/47RE 3500 with 3. 55 gears being stuck climbing steep hills at 55 MPH in 2nd @ 3500 RPM because the RPM drop to 3rd meant it would fall off the torque curve. OK, the Cummins has a better torque curve, but a tighter gap between gears is a good thing for towing, even with the NV5600 versus NV4500 (third too low; fourth too high).



2. A low 1st gear for getting a heavy rig moving uphill, and a tall 6th gear for running empty on the interstates, especially with 4. 10 gears. Running empty with the 4. 10's, I'm always looking for 7th gear in my truck.



Rusty

 

[Blakers]

Yes I agree, the NV5600 needs a additional overdrive, even with 3. 73 gears.



The comment I made was about the automatic. Yea, a 6 speed may be nice, but a 4 speed with a triple disc torque converter that would hold up is essential.

 

[Matt400]

For me it would be nice to see 3rd locked and OD locked- split with another gear so I guess a 5 speed would be nice enough.

 

[BRayls]

here are facts people,and e-mail from the corporation to me on the 300 trans . that is " from m-b". The PR manager for that product line informs me that for the LX vehicles that feature the Hemi engine, the transmission is made at Indiana Transmission Plant 2 (our newest plant). For the vehicles with the other two engine options, the transmissions are made at Indiana Transmission Plant 1.



I hope that helps!





Thanks,



Loren Phillips

DaimlerChrysler Communications

Phone: 248-512-0020

Email: -- email address removed -- now I am not trying to start a war,but remember I work for d-c in the original trans plant (KTP). and to my knowledge other than the asian warner we used in a few jeeps we build the only auto's for d-c here. we have 3 plants here now all covered by my local(uaw 685). I was really doubting that all of a sudden d-c would import a trans when they have 7000 workers here. not to mention the 2 newer plants in the last few years. now as for the new transmission,I do not know anything other than I was told(today) it is all new trans. Barry

 

[BRayls]

and I was told the 300 would have the auto stick option.

 

[RobertBolinger]

Only worry I have in all this is first a MB transmission, 2nd a MB Engine...

 

[KCJackson]

The new 5-speed auto used with 300 and Magnum Hemis and built in Indiana 2 is supposed to be an "Americanized" version of the MB W5A580 trans. The "580" is the torque rating in Newton-meters, which translates to 427 lb-ft - the Hemi is rated at 390 in the LX application.

 

[BRayls]

they will not switch engine makers,simply because the market wants the cummins. the 580 is also in hemi trucks,that have the 5 spd.