The anticipation for the new Nissan Z is reaching fever pitch. Enthusiasts are eager to see if this iconic sports car can recapture its former glory. While much of the buzz surrounds its retro-futuristic styling and powerful VR30DDTT engine, questions linger about the automatic transmission. Whispers and rumors suggest that Nissan might be turning to a surprising source for its gearbox: Mercedes-Benz, specifically their acclaimed 9-speed automatic. Could the “Mercedes 9 Speed Transmission” be the unexpected ingredient that elevates the new Z’s performance and driving experience? Let’s delve into the evidence and explore why this rumor might just hold water.
The Daimler-Nissan Partnership: A Foundation for Transmission Sharing?
The collaboration between Daimler and Nissan, initiated in 2010, laid the groundwork for potential technology and component sharing. While the partnership has evolved over the years, its initial agreements opened doors for cross-licensing and manufacturing arrangements. Crucially, a press briefing from the Renault-Nissan Alliance in 2017 explicitly mentions the licensing of Daimler’s 9-speed transmission to Nissan. According to the official document, this license allowed Nissan, through its subsidiary Jatco, to manufacture the 9-speed transmission in Japan. Point 5 of the brief clearly states: “The transmissions will be manufactured in Japan by Nissan’s subsidiary Jatco starting in 2018 and will feature ‘start and stop’ and ‘park and shift by wire’ technologies.” This agreement aimed at “Reduced development costs” and “Faster market readiness for Nissan,” suggesting a strategic move towards efficiency and leveraging existing technologies.
Evidence Pointing to the 9-Speed: Wikipedia and Jatco’s Website
Further fueling the “mercedes 9 speed transmission” speculation are details found on publicly accessible platforms. The Wikipedia page for the Mercedes-Benz 9G-Tronic transmission notably lists “2022- Nissan Z” under the “Non-Mercedes-Benz models” section. While Wikipedia’s crowd-sourced nature necessitates caution, this entry, coupled with other evidence, becomes intriguing. More significantly, Jatco, the Nissan-affiliated transmission manufacturer, features a 9-speed automatic transmission on their official product website. The product page for the Jatco JR913E 9-speed transmission highlights key features directly relevant to the Nissan Z’s development. It emphasizes that “The overall length of the gearbox is the same as that of our conventional 7-speed automatic transmission for FR vehicles, and it is easy to mount.” This dimensional compatibility is crucial for integrating a new transmission into an existing platform like the FM platform underpinning the Z. Furthermore, Jatco points out the use of magnesium for the transmission case, resulting in a “lightweight and compact” design – highly desirable attributes for a sports car focused on agility and performance.
Why a 9-Speed Makes Sense for Nissan and the Z
Adopting a “mercedes 9 speed transmission” derivative offers compelling advantages for Nissan, particularly in the context of the new Z’s development. From a financial perspective, leveraging a licensed design significantly reduces research and development costs. Nissan is known to be taking a cost-conscious approach with its current product line, focusing investments where they yield the most impactful improvements. Utilizing a pre-existing, proven 9-speed design aligns perfectly with this strategy. Moreover, standardizing on a 9-speed transmission across multiple rear-wheel-drive platforms, as suggested by industry observers, streamlines manufacturing and improves economies of scale. Replacing older 7-speed transmissions in models like the Titan and potentially future Infiniti vehicles with a single, modern 9-speed unit simplifies production and enhances quality control. For the Nissan Z specifically, the 9-speed represents a substantial upgrade over the aging 7-speed automatic. It promises improved fuel efficiency, quicker acceleration, and a more refined driving experience – crucial for competing in today’s sports car market. This transmission upgrade also serves a dual purpose, potentially paving the way for a much-needed refresh for the Infiniti Q50 and Q60 models, which share the Z’s powertrain platform.
Jatco 9-Speed vs. ZF 9-Speed: Decoding the Nissan Transmission Strategy
While the evidence strongly suggests a Jatco-manufactured, Mercedes-derived 9-speed, it’s worth considering other possibilities, namely a ZF 9-speed transmission. Nissan already employs ZF 9-speed transmissions in models like the Pathfinder and QX60. However, these ZF units are designed for front-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive architectures, unlike the rear-wheel-drive configuration of the Z. Developing and integrating a ZF 9-speed for the FM platform would entail significant engineering investment, contradicting Nissan’s apparent cost-saving approach for the Z. Furthermore, the core appeal of the Nissan Z, especially to enthusiasts, remains the availability of a manual transmission. This suggests that Nissan might prioritize investment in the manual gearbox and opt for a more cost-effective, albeit still capable, automatic option. The Jatco 9-speed, being based on a proven Mercedes design and already adapted for rear-wheel-drive applications (as seen in the Titan and Frontier), presents itself as the most logical and economically sound choice. While a ZF transmission might be perceived as a more premium option, the Jatco 9-speed offers a balanced combination of performance, reliability, and cost-effectiveness, perfectly aligning with Nissan’s strategic goals for the new Z.
Conclusion: Gearing Up for the Future with 9 Speeds
Based on available information, including official documents, industry trends, and product specifications, the likelihood of the new Nissan Z featuring a “mercedes 9 speed transmission,” manufactured by Jatco, appears remarkably high. This strategic move allows Nissan to deliver a significant performance upgrade through a modern, efficient transmission while managing development costs and streamlining manufacturing processes. For enthusiasts concerned about maintaining the Z’s sporting spirit, the 9-speed promises quicker shifts, better responsiveness, and enhanced overall driving dynamics. As the automotive industry rapidly transitions towards electrification, utilizing existing, licensed technologies for core components like transmissions allows manufacturers to focus resources on future innovations. The Mercedes-derived 9-speed transmission might just be the smart and effective choice that ensures the new Nissan Z remains competitive and exciting for years to come.
References:
- Alliance-2022 Press Brief: https://www.alliance-2022.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/89933.pdf
- Jatco 9-Speed Transmission Product Page: https://www.jatco.co.jp/products/jr913e.html
- Wikipedia – Mercedes-Benz 9G-Tronic transmission: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercedes-Benz_9G-Tronic_transmission#Non_Mercedes-Benz_models
