BMW is breaking new ground with the vehicles they have launched or plan to soon. From the full CFRP chassis of the i3 to the first ever front wheel drive model, 2013 is the year of change for BMW.

While the excitement is building among enthusiasts, BMW engineers are busy working out the changes brought. One of the problems consists of the transmission. So far, BMW only had to worry about sending the generated power to either the rear wheels or all wheels.

So with the new configuration of the drive system of the i8, they must also develop a new transmission to go with FWD, and the debut of the gear box will be on the i8 hybrid sportscar.

“We will develop a new automatic gear box for future front wheel drive vehicles and transversal engine concepts. First outcome will be with the all new BMW i8 plug-in hybrid. The number of gears is due to the best possible torque level. With future plug-in hybrid models not as many gears might be needed to feature the best possible shifting point”