I'm kinda shocked that no one has bit on ZF's 8 speed, especially on account of the fact that it has built in start/stop capability which would greatly increase city fuel economy.BTW, an 8 speed tranny is essentially a 4 speed with an overdrive gear for each cog. No biggy, really. I could actually see such a tranny having only 5 cogs: 4 regular ratios and then a 1.5 cog that somehow gets clutched in. IMO, delay times in engaging/disengaging the clutch/torque-lock start to wear on the marginal benefit of each cog once you're past six. Its time to 'think outside the clutch' and go with an integrated hydraulic IVT. Why automakers haven't seen this light is beyond me.