6AT vs 8AT, is high gear really better? Which domestic 8AT is stronger?

With the rapid development of automobile technology, automatic transmission, as the core component of automobile power transmission, its performance and durability have always been the focus of consumers’ attention. Among them, 6AT(6-speed automatic transmission) and 8AT(8-speed automatic transmission) are two mainstream gearbox technologies in the market at present, and their durability differences and gear selection issues have been discussed.So, who is more durable, 6AT or 8AT? The higher the gear, the better? Who has the strongest 8AT technology in domestic car companies? This article will make it clear for you at one time.

1. Technical principles and structural differences

Both 6AT and 8AT belong to hydraulic automatic transmission (AT), and its core components include hydraulic torque converter and planetary gear set. The hydraulic torque converter transmits the power of the engine to the transmission mechanism through transmission oil, while the planetary gear set is responsible for the power transmission and transmission. From the structural point of view, 8AT has one or more planetary gear sets than 6AT, which means that 8AT may have more advantages in shifting smoothness, fuel economy and performance. However, it is precisely because of the more complicated structure that the difficulty in manufacturing and maintenance of 8AT increases accordingly.

2. Durability considerations

Durability is a comprehensive consideration, involving the design, manufacturing quality, use conditions and maintenance of gearbox. From the perspective of structural complexity, the failure probability of 6AT is theoretically lower than that of 8AT because of its relatively simple structure. However, this does not mean that 6AT is necessarily more durable than 8AT. With the development of technology and manufacturing technology, the durability of 8AT has also been significantly improved. In addition, the advantages of 8AT in shifting smoothness, fuel economy and performance also make it more competitive in some usage scenarios.

3. Market performance and user feedback

In terms of market performance, both 6AT and 8AT have their own market positioning and user groups. 6AT is widely used in low-end vehicles because of its simple structure and low cost. The 8AT is more mounted on mid-to high-end models to provide better driving experience and fuel economy. In terms of user feedback, both of them have certain praise and bad reviews. Some users think that 6AT is stable and reliable, and its maintenance cost is low. Others prefer the shift smoothness and fuel economy of 8AT.

To sum up, there is no absolute difference in durability between 6AT and 8AT. Which is more durable depends on the specific vehicle model, manufacturing process, use conditions and maintenance.

1. The relationship between gear and performance

The number of gears is an important factor affecting the performance of gearbox. Generally speaking, the more gears, the better the shift smoothness, fuel economy and performance of the gearbox. Because more gears mean that the gearbox can match the engine speed and load more finely, thus achieving more efficient power transmission and lower fuel consumption.

2. Misunderstanding of gear selection

However, this does not mean that the higher the gear, the better. In actual driving, the choice of gear should be flexibly adjusted according to the road conditions and the actual situation of the vehicle. Choosing a low gear can provide greater power output, which is suitable for situations that require higher power such as acceleration and climbing; Choosing a high gear can provide higher driving speed and lower rotating speed, which is suitable for high-speed cruising and fuel-saving driving. Therefore, the best balance point should be found in gear selection, which should not only ensure that the engine is in a suitable speed range, but also ensure that the power output and running speed of the vehicle can meet the actual demand.

3. Correct gear selection method

The correct gear selection method includes observing the engine tachometer, feeling the acceleration response and driving smoothness of the vehicle, etc. When the gear is properly selected, the engine speed should be within the recommended range, neither too high nor too low; At the same time, the acceleration response and driving smoothness of the vehicle should also reach the best state. If the engine speed is too high or too low, or the vehicle accelerates slowly or is stuck, it is necessary to adjust the gear in time to ensure the normal operation of the vehicle.

Among domestic cars, Chery, Geely, FAW, Great Wall, SAIC and many other car companies are actively developing and applying 8AT technology, and have achieved remarkable results. Among them, the 8AT gearbox independently developed by Chery Automobile is the first high-end automatic gearbox with complete intellectual property rights in China, and its technical level and market performance are in the leading position in the industry.

Chery 8AT technology highlights

  • The 8AT gearbox independently developed by Chery Automobile is the first high-order automatic gearbox with complete intellectual property rights in China.
  • The gearbox has the characteristics of super smoothness and high performance, and the gear shifting is smooth, and the highest mechanical efficiency reaches 96%.
  • It has not only experienced global development and verification, but also achieved global quality, which forms a perfect combination with Chery’s 2.0TGDI Kunpeng power engine.

Application vehicle type

  • Tiggo 8L: As Chery’s self-developed flagship SUV, Tiggo 8L is equipped with this 8AT gearbox, providing users with unparalleled power and control experience.
  • Star Way Lingyun: The 2024 Star Way Lingyun adopted the power combination of 8AT transmission and 2.0T engine on the 400T model, which significantly improved the performance and driving experience of the model.

To sum up, Chery Automobile has outstanding performance in 8AT technology of domestic cars, and its self-developed 8AT gearbox is in the leading position in the industry in terms of technical characteristics, market performance and user feedback. Of course, with the continuous progress of automobile technology and the intensification of market competition, other domestic automobile companies are also actively catching up and surpassing. It remains to be seen who will become the leader of 8AT technology in domestic cars in the future.