Aisin and Toyota offer various 8-speed automatic transmissions for use in both longitudinal[a][1] and transverse[b][2] engine vehicles, based on a common, globally patented gearset concept.

Beginning with the AW F8 transmission Aisin and Toyota derived a transverse engine variant[b][2] by adapting this globally patented gearset concept to fit into the same space as the previous generation U6xx Lepelletier gear mechanism-based 6-speed transmissions to increase the overall ratio spread, reduce gear steps, and increase the torque capacity for transverse engine vehicles as well.

[4] The Aisin AW F8 F45 (Toyota UA 80E/UA 80F) series is the world's first 8-speed automatic transmission designed for use in transverse engine[b][2] applications.

The aluminum die-cast case is 10 % lighter, yet 30 % more rigid, even with two additional gears and a 22 % greater torque capacity the new transmission weighs 95 kg (209 lb) or 10 % more than the previous unit.

Due to the increasing electronic control of automatic transmissions and engines, a fast reverse gear (i.e. designed to reduce wheel spin) is no longer necessary for problem-free starting in icy conditions (winter mode).

It is therefore unlikely that car manufacturers will make use of this special option of a dedicated winter mode with an additional reverse gear R2.

The UA 80E/F family of 8-speed transmissions has had some issues which led to class action lawsuits, a Customer Support Program and numerous technical service bulletins.

[19][20] Additional issues arose when 2017 and 2018 Highlander and Sienna customers experienced whining, master warning lights/check engine lights and transmission failures.

This program covered certain 2017 and early 2018 built Highlanders and Sienna under specific VIN parameters and transmission build dates.

[22] More whine or grind issues have been documented in 2021 Avalon, Camry and Highlanders equipped with the UA 80E/F transmission prompting T-SB-0008-21.