Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[BMW M3 recalled over new double-clutch gearbox]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/20/bmw-m3-recalled-over-new-double-clutch-gearbox/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/20/bmw-m3-recalled-over-new-double-clutch-gearbox/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/20/bmw-m3-recalled-over-new-double-clutch-gearbox/#commentsFiled under: ,

Dual clutch transmission... sounds complicated. And it is. Case in point: BMW's new DCT on its latest-generation M3. This new transmission from Munich is so complicated that apparently even BMW couldn't get it right the first time, so they're issuing a recall. The problem, as concluded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, is that under hard braking the transmission's software is prone to initiate a multi-stage downshift, which could cause the car to stall. The solution, however, should be fairly simple, as BMW is asking all owners of 2008 or 2009 M3s equipped with the DCT (about 2,500 in the United States) to come in for a software update, free of charge, at their local dealership. After the software update, M3 owners can perform all the panic stops they want in smooth-shifting bliss.

The official recall notice can be viewed on the NHTSA website. Thanks for the tip, TKE!

Gallery: 2009 BMW M3 Facelift


[Source: Good Car Bad Car]

BMW M3 recalled over new double-clutch gearbox originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwbmw m3bmw m3 dctbmw m3 dct recallbmw m3 recallbmw recallBmwM3BmwM3DctBmwM3DctRecallBmwM3RecallBmwRecalldctdouble clutchDoubleClutchdsgdual clutchdual sequentialDualClutchDualSequentialgearboxrecalltransmissiontwin clutchTwinClutchThu, 20 Nov 2008 13:58:00 EST<![CDATA[First Drive: 2009 Porsche 911 Carrera S with PDK]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/20/first-drive-2009-porsche-911-carrera-s-with-pdk/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/20/first-drive-2009-porsche-911-carrera-s-with-pdk/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/20/first-drive-2009-porsche-911-carrera-s-with-pdk/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


2009 Porsche 911 Carrera S with PDK - Click above for high-res image gallery

Introduced in 1963, the Porsche 911 is one of the most successful competition cars ever built. Despite its unconventional rear-engine platform, the 911 Carrera holds recorded wins in nearly every type of automotive competition. Continuously upgraded and refined, Porsche has introduced a mid-cycle refresh for the 2009 model year. While the cosmetic changes are immediately apparent, the most significant improvements - two new engines and a new double-clutch transmission - are hidden under its sleek skin. We spent a long day putting the 2009 911 Carrera through its paces on a race track near Salt Lake City framed by the spectacular snow-capped surrounding mountains of Utah. Read our impressions after the jump.

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Porsche Carrera 911 PDK


Photos Copyright (C)2008 Michael Harley / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading First Drive: 2009 Porsche 911 Carrera S with PDK

First Drive: 2009 Porsche 911 Carrera S with PDK originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Oct 2008 11:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>911CarreraDoppelkupplungsgetriebedouble-clutch transmissionDouble-clutchTransmissiondual clutchDualClutchfeaturedFirst DriveFirstDriveGT2GT3ImpressionsMiller Motorsports ParkMillerMotorsportsParkPDKPorscheSalt Lake CitySaltLakeCityTest DriveTestDrivetiptronic stiptronic-sTiptronicStwin clutchTwinClutchMon, 20 Oct 2008 11:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Mitsubishi releases details on S-AWC and Twin Clutch SST]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/10/mitsubishi-releases-details-on-s-awc-and-twin-clutch-sst/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/10/mitsubishi-releases-details-on-s-awc-and-twin-clutch-sst/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/10/mitsubishi-releases-details-on-s-awc-and-twin-clutch-sst/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Two of the most anticipated features of the new Evolution X, not including the 4B11T engine, are the new all-wheel-drive system and the move to a dual-clutch gearbox. Mitsubishi has released some preliminary details on both systems, which aim to increase safety and driver involvement.

The S-AWC system, Mitsubishi-speak for their new electronic power-delivering masterpiece, includes the integration of ASC (Active Stability Control), ACD (Active Center Differential), AYC (Active Yaw Control) and Sport ABS (self explanatory). All four systems regulate brake force and torque distribution to individual wheels, along with a yaw rate feedback control that will make any ham-fisted Evo pilot feel like they're Sebastian Loeb.

As for the Twin Clutch SST, the automated manual gearbox, Mitsubishi employs two input shafts that control odd and even number gears (much like the VW/Audi setup), and drivers will be able to select between three different modes, as they've done in the past. "Normal" mode is for your daily slog, while "Sport" will include more engine braking and sharpened throttle responses, using higher shift points and quicker shifts. "S-Sport" mode takes Sport and cranks it to 11 by bringing the engine revs into the stratosphere and further quickening shifts.

All the details are posted in the press release after the jump.

Continue reading Mitsubishi releases details on S-AWC and Twin Clutch SST

Mitsubishi releases details on S-AWC and Twin Clutch SST originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Jul 2007 07:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>evoevolutionmitsubishis-awcssttwin clutchTwinClutchxTue, 10 Jul 2007 07:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Update on Ford's aspiration for a dual-clutch transmission]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/28/update-on-fords-aspiration-for-a-dual-clutch-transmission/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/28/update-on-fords-aspiration-for-a-dual-clutch-transmission/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/28/update-on-fords-aspiration-for-a-dual-clutch-transmission/#commentsFiled under: , ,

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]

Update on Ford's aspiration for a dual-clutch transmission originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 28 Apr 2007 13:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autoautomanualautomatedautomated manualAutomatedManualDSGdual clutchDualClutchfiestafordgearboxmanualmanumaticpowerpowershifts40shifttransmissiontwin clutchTwinClutchv50volvoSat, 28 Apr 2007 13:12:00 EST