Lost in transmission
An unblinking spotlight has been shining on engines for so long that commercial vehicle transmissions have been put in the shade. They have a big impact on operating costs, but will innovation be stifled by evolution? Ian Norwell selects drive
Speed of change
While engines have been under the cosh of the progressive rules of Euro levels over the last two decades, clutches and transmissions’ development has only been directed by engineering innovation and competitive advantage. Ian Norwell looks at their journey and where they are heading
Cinderella comes to the ball
They may live in the shadow of hi-tech engines, but transmissions are keeping pace. And with Euro 6 a done deal, they are now stepping up to the plate in the search for fuel economy, Ian Norwell reports
Tippers and rigid chassis: Shifting attitudes
Are manual gearboxes really heading for extinction? Ian Norwell looked at a pair of DAF eight-wheelers, one with the new 12-speed TraXon AMT gearbox from ZF, and the other with ZF’s 16-speed manual, which proved surprisingly compelling