A funny thing happened in Detroit. The Big Three car companies who built empires of profit based on large, gas-guzzling vehicles have suddenly found a fuel-efficient side.

From lighter cars to smaller engines, Detroit’s Big Three are roaring back to life with a bevy of impressive new vehicles. But while Ford focuses on turbocharging, and GM delves into electric vehicles, Chrysler is hoping new transmissions might lead to big fuel economy improvements.

Over at AllPar, a timeline for the implementation of a nine-speed ZF transmission has been revealed. Beyond fuel economy though, these transmissions will give performance a shot in the arm too.

The nine-speed transmissions for Chrysler will go into use this year. Designed for front-wheel drive cars like the Dodge Dart, as well as minivans, the transmissions are estimated to improve fuel economy by about 16% over the current line of six-speed automatic transmissions. That can result in 3 or 4 mpg, depending on the vehicle, without opting for expensive hybrid technology.

These transmissions will be hybrid and all-wheel drive capable however. Furthermore, performance should be improved, if the switch from 5-to-8-speed transmissions in the Dodge Charger are any indicator. The Charger picked up 4 mpg on the highway, and dropped its 0-60 mph time from 7.2 seconds to 6.6 seconds.

We have to wonder though…what is the limit? Will we ever have a 20-speed transmission? What about 50-speeds? When will the madness end?