The ZF 6HP was the first six-speed automatic transmission in a production passenger car. Released as the 6HP26 by ZF Friedrichshafen in 2000, it was manufactured by ZF Getriebe GmbH in Saarbrücken, Germany. Other variations of the first generation 6HP in addition to the 6HP26, were: 6HP19, and 6HP32 having lower and higher torque capacity, respectively.
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In 2007, the second generation of the 6HP series was introduced, with models 6HP21 and 6HP28. A 6HP34 was planned, but never went into production.
The 6HP uses a Lepelletier epicyclic/planetary gearset, which can provide more gear ratios with significantly fewer components. This means the 6HP26 is actually lighter than its five-speed 5HP predecessors. It also has the capability to achieve torque converter lock-up on all six forward gears, and disengage it completely when at a standstill, dramatically closing the fuel efficiency gap between automatic and manual transmissions.
The last 6HP automatic transmission was produced by the Saarbrücken plant in March 2014 after 7,050,232 units were produced. The ZF plant in Shanghai continued to produce the 6HP for the Chinese market.
6HP19
The 6HP19 transmission was a development of the original 6HP26, but was downgraded for less demanding applications. As such, the 6HP19 is rated at 400 N·m (295 lb·ft) of torque.
Gear ratios:
Applications
Rear-wheel drive cars:
6HP19A
The 6HP19A is a variation of the 6HP19 for four-wheel drive applications. It was used by the Volkswagen Group for some permanent four-wheel drive models.
Applications
6HP26
The 6HP26 was the original variation of the 6HP, released in 2000. It was rated for a maximum input torque of 600 newton metres (443 lbf·ft). It was first used by the BMW 7 Series (E65) in the 2001. Initially reserved for high end luxury and sports cars, ZF made the 6HP26 available to Hyundai for use on its 2009 model year V8 Genesis.
Several versions of the 6HP26 are available depending on application and brand: 6HP26, 6HP26A and 6HP26X.
Gear ratios:
Applications
Ford has developed their own versions (6R60 and 6R80) based on the 6HP26. Therefore, certain Ford vehicles will not be listed.
Two-wheel drive version:
6HP26A
The 6HP26A is a variation of the 6HP26 for four-wheel drive applications. It was used by the Volkswagen Group for some permanent four-wheel drive models.
Applications
6HP26X
The 6HP26X is another variation of the 6HP26, also for four-wheel drive applications. This transmission is suitable for 4WDs with a separate transfer box (the "X" stands for external 4WD).
Applications
6HP32
The 6HP32 is a variation of the 6HP26 for high-output applications. The gearbox's maximum input torque is 750 N·m (550 lb·ft).
Applications
6HP21
The 6HP21 was a low-torque variation of the 6HP produced in China.
Applications
6HP28
The 6HP28 was the second generation of the 6HP gearbox, introduced in mid 2006.
Applications
Two-wheel drive version: