How does it work?
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AutoShift is simply an automated shifting system, sitting on top of Eaton's S-series 16-speed synchromesh gearbox.
While ZF's equivalent AS-Ironic is built around a constant-mesh gearbox and synchronises gears entirely electronically, AutoShift combines conventional synchronisers with electronic engine control. The gears are engaged using electrical and pneumatic actuators.
The impressive thing is that changes are much taster than you would expect— not far off the benchmark of Eaton's own Twin Splitter box. AutoShift communicates with the engine via a standard J1939 electronic bus, so it could be matched to any modern electronic engine and will be able to communicate with ABS, ASR and other electronic systems—sensing the application of the engine brake is only the start.
As AutoShift does not rely on any mechanical linkage between the driver and the gearbox, there is no need for a gear lever aperture: the cab is sealed from the engine compartment, and mechanical noise is noticeably reduced.
The only downside of this is that you notice other noises more easily, and the relatively old MAN cab design does suffer from a little more wind noise than some more modern trucks.