Two things keep coming back to mind when recalling a test-drive this week in a Ram 3500 pickup equipped with ZF’s new 8-speed PowerLine automatic transmission: increased power and better fuel economy.

For years, automakers were reliant on 6-speed transmissions. However, they began to adopt 8-speed replacements, following pressure from the government to meet new environmental regulations. When the 8 ...

For years, automakers were reliant on 6-speed transmissions. However, they began to adopt 8-speed replacements, following pressure from the government to meet new environmental regulations. When the 8 ...