As Toyota gears up for the launch of Toyota Fortuner, Ford plans to defend by launching an automatic variant of its hardcore SUV – the Endeavour. Ford Endeavour currently comes with 2.5L and 3.0L engine option (Thunder+). Both the engines sports 5-speed manual transmission. While at the lower end Mahindra offers Scorpio Automatic and at the higher end the upcoming Fortuner is believed to come with an autobox. Then Ford would be sandwitched between the two and autobox lovers might give the Endeavour a miss. Ford doesn’t want this to happen and an autobox for Endeavour hence becomes necessary. Ford’s five-speed automatic transmission system features an innovative Transmission Control Module (TCM) that can automatically detect and quickly adjust to the changing engine speed and driving condition. It keeps the transmission system always at its peak power band, thus making the vehicle more responsive. Such acceleration rate continuity makes it perfect for both urban and highway driving as well as off road while providing the best possible fuel economy.The 5-speed automatic transmission which perfectly compliments its new powerful “Duratorq” new generation common-rail engine giving the vehicle extra fuel economy and a more smoother acceleration rate.
Along with the 5-speed automatic transmission, Ford may also equip the endeavour and Borg Warner’s Shift-on-the-Fly system. The active-Shift-on-the-Fly mechanism. will enable you to switch between 2wd and 4wd up to 100kmph. Both the Endeavour and Endeavour Thunder+ is expected get the autobox and we expect the price to go up by Rs50,000.