8 Spd Auto for the Amarok?

[Pinelli]

Alright, I tend to be about 20 years behind in automotive trends, BUT
Saw an ad last night for the VW Amarok, which has an 8 speed auto. Not quite sure what the advantage of an 8 speed over a 4 or 5 speed auto is, but I'm assuming that as the number of gears increases, then either the size of the gears must get smaller, or the auto box itself must get bigger and heavier (bringing its own problems).

At what point does a CVT gearbox start giving an advantage over having lots of different gear ratios? Seems like a pretty simple solution to me, not sure why they're not more common.

[MR LR]

Towing...

[JBM770]

Its similar to having a Fairey overdrive or a high/low range transfer case, instantly doubles the number of gears.

[jx2mad]

My mate has one for work. Loaded weight is 2.8T. It is a 2l motor with twin turbos and he gets 10l/100k. It has an auto box and he loves it.

[BMKal]

Better not look too closely at the current model Disco then. or the Jeep.

The Amorok is far from being the only vehicle out there with an 8 speed auto. ;)

[Pinelli]

Don't worry, I'll be looking a very close look at the current Disco 4s.

In about 15 years time when I can afford to replace the Disco 2 I'm driving now.:p

[BigJon]

At what point does a CVT gearbox start giving an advantage over having lots of different gear ratios?.

At engine sizes of two litres and below (for low torque petrol engines). CVT transmissions aren't very strong.

[Garwood]

I've got a new MY13 Disco 4 HSE which has an 8 speed auto....it's incredible. I'm averaging about 9.8l per 100ks...

The combination of this gearbox with the 3.0l diesel is magic. So smooth, effortless acceleration.

[Dougal]

At what point does a CVT gearbox start giving an advantage over having lots of different gear ratios? Seems like a pretty simple solution to me, not sure why they're not more common.

Other way around. Lots of gears means no need for cvt.

[ramblingboy42]

there is no transfer case....the lower ratios are significantly low enough. I drove one last week. incredibly smooth, seamless power delivery. If you drive conservatively it skips gears, if you give it some it uses them all and propels the veedub along very briskly indeed.....would I buy one?....yes! what a nice vehicle to drive....it makes all the other 4x4 utes seem exactly like the trucks they are.....I have driven "them" all recently.

[Redback]

We have the manual Amarok, absolutely love it, smooth, heaps of power for anything you throw at it, stick a tonne in the back and you would hardly know it's there.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v293/bazzar/Disco%204%20Amarok%20Mods/IMG_0191_zps5abb56b5.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/bazzar/media/Disco%204%20Amarok%20Mods/IMG_0191_zps5abb56b5.jpg.html)

Baz.