The new 8-speed "robot" gearbox will get two clutches and an electric motor, which will be connected to the main engine via a separate clutch. Thanks to this scheme, the car will be able to drive for some time on electricity alone.
According to British engineers, the new transmission will reduce fuel consumption by 10% and also improve the vehicle's off-road capability, since there will be no need for a separate transfer case and a low-range gear set.
30 million pounds sterling, equivalent to about 40 million dollars, have been allocated for the project. The timing of the appearance of such a gearbox on production cars is still kept secret, but according to unofficial data, it should not be expected before 2018.
