The ActiveHybrid X6 is the most powerful hybrid vehicle on the planet today. The hybrid boasts of 485 horsepower and an amazing torque of 575 ft-lb. The figures come as a combo of a 407hp V8 twin turbocharged 4.4L engine and a electric motors with 91 and 86hp.

We are not here to tell you about the specs of the hybrid but give you a glimpse of how it performs:

Performance

The ActiveHybrid X6 zooms from 0 to 62 miles per hour in just 5.6 seconds. This is at par with the xDrive 50i. The transmission of the vehicle worked like any other automatic transmission with the engine reacting well with the shifting and throttle very well.

If you will depend only on the battery pack, the vehicle can run for 1.6 miles and cruise at 37 mph.

Fuel Efficiency

During a test drive on mixed road conditions, the ActiveHybrid X6 averaged 20.4 miles. This performs better than any other BMW X6 running with a V8 coupled with six-speed transmission. Cruising on the freeway plotted 21 mpg. The overall efficiency is 20% better than any other X6 in BMW’s fleet.

Other factors like the looks, handling, and other accessories get two thumbs up. BMW succeeded in making a BMW hybrid that is non-hybrid.

Both technologies will be available in Ford’s 2010 Lincoln MKS (see pic!). The 6F-55 transmission was developed from the successful blueprint of Ford’s 6F-50 transmission. Compared to the 6F-50 transmission, however, the 6F-55 is bulked up and strengthened to work with the EcoBoost V6’s architecture.

All changes were geared towards improved power and fuel efficiency. The modifications included friction material grooves that break up fluid flow and reduce clutch drag losses; nine wave CBLR; improved calibration measures; and a 15-degree-increase of start-to-open temperatures.

The torque of this transmission was also altered to improve the vehicle’s drivability. Together, the EcoBoost V6 and the 6F-55 automatic transmission are pegged to produce 355 horse power and 475 Nm of torque. Ford brags that this translates to higher power and better fuel-economy compared the V8 engine of Lexus GS460 and Infiniti M45.

Ford projects that both technologies will dominate their sustainability strategy for years to come. They’ve targeted that by the end of 2012, nearly all of Ford’s transmissions in North America will be converted to advanced six-speed gearboxes. Ford marks up 2013 as the year when nearly 90% of Ford’s North American vehicles will nestle EcoBoost engines.

The 6F-55 was produced at the Van Dyke Transmission Plant based in Sterling Heights, Michigan. This Ford Plant also produced the 6F-50 and 6F-35 transmissions. The plant is recognized as one of the Ford Centers of Excellence for six-speed transmissions.