Update on Ford's aspiration for a dual-clutch transmission
It looks like the dual-clutch preselector transmission is emerging as the leader in automated manuals. Volkswagen's DSG has been around a while and offers fewer compromises than less purpose-built manuals. Ford's champing at the bit to get their own trick DSG-like transmission into production, and it looks like we'll see such a unit drop soon with the PowerShift moniker. Gearbox maker Getrag has several different variations on the theme, and word is they'll start off in PAG brand like Volvo first and then trickle down to other Fords as a premium option. Volvo is a logical entry point, as the marque's S40 T5 can be mentioned in the same breath as the A3 without the entire room snickering. The core engineering seems to be essentially the same, with the packaging, max ratio spread and durability of the innards varying among the different configurations. Applications cover the various vehicle architectures of FR, FF, and MR, plus AWD, though we're not sure if the center differential is a seperate unit or integral to the trans. They're mostly six-speeds, although there is a seven-speed version with triple cone synchronizers and a max torque capacity of 750Nm. The exciting thing is that these transmissions reportedly have Job 1 dates in 2007, so we should see the debut soon in something. Europe will likely get them first in the diesel S40/V50s. There's a version rumored to be destined for the Fiesta, which is destined here, so before long, we may all be revelling in the perfectly executed blip-blip downshift as we clip the apex and get back on the power to exit fast while behind the wheel of a Ford vehicle.
[Source: GM Inside News]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Castle 1:43PM (4/28/2007)
Borg-Warner makes the VW DSGs, the "DSG" are called "DualTronic" by Borg-Warner. the company said that they were in talks with other manufacturers to sell the dual-clutch and put them in vehicles outside of VAG cars.
http://www.prnewswire.co.uk/cgi/news/release?id=96189
Ricardo is also another manufacturer of dual-clutch trannies, VAG uses Ricardo dual clutchtransmissions in the Bugatti Veyron.
http://www.gizmag.com/go/4909/
In general, expect most transmission suppliers to offer a dual-clutch transmission in the near-future. Especially since in the next year the Nissan GT-R, Mitsubishi Evo X, Posche, and now Ford are expected to have a dual-clutch transmissions.
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JJ 1:48PM (4/28/2007)
DSG + Mustang = I'm sold.
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Jason 2:03PM (4/28/2007)
Even better would be a version of this transmission in the base and Z06 Corvette with paddle shifters.
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vwwwwwwwww 2:09PM (4/28/2007)
It is actually Borg-Warner's DSG. They invented it and they make it. Not VW.
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tr 3:06PM (4/28/2007)
forget the S40 T5, i want to see this in the upcoming C30 T5.
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Tom 4:24PM (4/28/2007)
How is it better than a regular manual tranny?
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JJ 4:50PM (4/28/2007)
Shifts faster without power loss from a torque converter. Faster 1/4 miles, faster 0-60, and better track times. I stock GT Mustang would be getting consistent sub 14 sec. quarter miles with consistent sub 5 second 0-60.
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dskinner 6:03PM (4/28/2007)
DSG may be the only tranny that could pull me away from a manual... Not any time soon though.
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Kit 6:15PM (4/28/2007)
Innovation? from Ford?
I kid. If they want to be competative, this is the sort of tech that every car company needs. Better efficiency, better performance, better control - what's not to love? The only reason to stick with a stick is to wrap yourself in the mantle of a "real driver" (and you do realize that this is F1 type driver's technology, don't you?).
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HotRodzNKustoms 8:57PM (4/28/2007)
I do not care for flappy paddles, not as smooth as a automatic, not as good as a stick, just a toy for playboys.
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Sandeep 9:12PM (4/28/2007)
Kudos to Ford for supporting better transmissions these days, from 6-speed autos to CVTs and now dual-clutch.
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Tal 9:48PM (4/28/2007)
"Ford's champing at the bit..."
Is that a play on words or do you mean: "chomping at the bit" ?? meaning , Ford is more than ready to get started...they are "chomping at the bit"...the bit is the metal thing placed the mouth of a horse that is attached to the reins(slender leather straps) that help control(guide) the horse. the reins are pulled or tugged by the rider to stop, slow or change directions of the horse.If a horse is "chomping at the bit" , he is ready to haul ass come hell or high water.
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DKB_SATX 11:03PM (4/28/2007)
HotRodzNKustoms: single clutch automated manuals (like the one used by Ferrari and Maserati) have smoothness problems, but DSG is actually pretty good. With 2 clutches, the computer can feather the swap between them and get very smooth engagement between gears. That said, I think the real advantage over manuals is small, because your quicker shift times and potential for lazy auto-mode driving come at the cost of complexity and more dependence on computers and servos. If the computer doesn't want to shift or swap the clutch for you, you're SOL.
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ryan 12:07AM (4/29/2007)
Personally, i don't care.
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Paul 12:29AM (4/29/2007)
Cool, I just hope they don't half-ass it. Honestly, it might have been better for them to contract Borg Warner to make them for a few years as for developed their own unit to allow the appropriate amount of time and cost to be put into a really good unit. I'm just afraid that the Ford unit won't measure up to BMW's SMG or VW's DSG.
DSGs are great. I test drove a VW GTI with DSG (geez, alphabet soup) and they're really awesome, shifts are so fast it feels like a video game. Still not as fun as a manual, but I could definitely go for one of those over a manual just so I could shift gears when I wanted and not when I didn't (like in traffic). Good stuff, that will be great to see them in more cars in years to come.
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drolds1 1:53AM (4/29/2007)
#12. Thanks for enlightening us as to what a bit and reins are.
Here's one for you: Idiom: An Idiom is an expression (i.e. term or phrase) whose meaning cannot be deduced from the literal definitions and the arrangement of its parts, but refers instead to a figurative meaning that is known only through conventional use.
Before you call Autoblog to task for using the incorrect expression, do a little research first. The expression is champing at the bit, NOT chomping.
http://www.thefreedictionary.com/champing+at+the+bit
http://www.langston.com/English/
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far jr 3:26PM (4/29/2007)
I prefer manual transmissions in most cases. However, if For is going to use DSG, why not do more than just Volvo initially?
Put a DSG six speed in the AWD Fusion Chassis with a boosted 3.5 V6 and you have an SHO Fusion that could do wonders for Ford's lackluster image.
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