Ford announced that it has added the PowerShift transmission to the Focus and C-MAX line-up for the UK market. The Ford PowerShift transmission offers the efficiency of a six-speed manual with the convenience of an automatic gearbox.
The Ford PowerShift gearbox uses an electronically-controlled twin-clutch system to change gear, and does not need a torque converter or planetary gears.
The PowerShift transmission will be available on the Ford Focus and C-MAX equipped with the 2.0-litre TDCi diesel engine. The Ford Focus 2.0 TDCi with PowerShift price starts at £18,195 and the C-MAX at £19,895.
Ford Press Release:
Ford Motor Company has added a high-tech new automatic transmission to its line-up, one which achieves the fuel economy of a manual gearbox but with the comfort and convenience of a normal auto.
Called "PowerShift", the new lightweight transmission uses the latest electronically-controlled twin-clutch technology to change gear, and therefore does not need the complex and weighty
sub-systems such as torque converter or planetary gears of regular auto boxes.
Not only efficient, the new six-speed PowerShift is simple to use and yet with a sporty personality. Both up and down-shifts are executed faster than normal auto gearboxes, and faster than drivers can achieve with a manual.
PowerShift is available on either the Ford Focus or C-MAX ranges and with the 2.0-litre TDCi diesel engine. Two states of tune are available, 136PS or 110PS. Regardless of power rating, body style or series, all Focus models equipped with
PowerShift offer a combined fuel economy of 48.6mpg, with average CO2 emissions of just 154 g/km while C-MAX delivers 47.9mpg and 159g/km.
Driving with the Ford PowerShift transmission is as simple and easy as a conventional automatic transmission. The system uses a standard automatic gear lever in the center console with the usual P, R, N and D settings. The gear lever can also be moved laterally to a parallel gate should the driver choose a sportier style and the option of shifting manually.
Focus with Powershift starts from £18,195 for the 3 dr Zetec, 110 PS 2.0l TDCi.
C-MAX with Powershift starts from £19,895 for the 5r Zetec, 110 PS 2.0l TDCi.
