It's a trend being adopted by more and more automakers in the name of increasing economy and enhancing performance. The dual-clutch gearbox is proving its worth when it comes to delivering quick gearchanges and less stops for fuel, and Chrysler's just announced that one will be available in 'international' markets starting this spring.
Making its debut in the 2009 Journey, 2009 Sebring and 2009 Avenger, the new gearbox is said to deliver quick, smooth acceleration while reducing CO2 emissions and fuel-usage by some 6 percent. The gearbox was developed with well-known transmission-manufacturer Getrag.
"Chrysler's new dual-clutch transmission is the next step in transmission technology, offering consumers improved fuel economy along with smoother and quicker shifting," said Frank Klegon, Executive V.P. of Product Development. "This important new Chrysler technology is one of several initiatives we have in place to directly focus on improving fuel efficiency across our vehicle lineup."
The benefit of the dual-clutch gearbox lies in its internals- engineered to reduce friction and the associated parasitic 'drivetrain' power loss it causes. This is achieved, in part, by eliminating the torque converter and using synchronizers instead of shift-clutches.
The transmission will first be paired with a 2.0 litre diesel engine in 'international' markets, meaning it looks like it may not be headed here just yet. It's part of Chrysler's powertrain offensive plan which was announced last year.
photo:Chrysler
Making its debut in the 2009 Journey, 2009 Sebring and 2009 Avenger, the new gearbox is said to deliver quick, smooth acceleration while reducing CO2 emissions and fuel-usage by some 6 percent. The gearbox was developed with well-known transmission-manufacturer Getrag.
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| 2009 Dodge Journey |
"Chrysler's new dual-clutch transmission is the next step in transmission technology, offering consumers improved fuel economy along with smoother and quicker shifting," said Frank Klegon, Executive V.P. of Product Development. "This important new Chrysler technology is one of several initiatives we have in place to directly focus on improving fuel efficiency across our vehicle lineup."
The benefit of the dual-clutch gearbox lies in its internals- engineered to reduce friction and the associated parasitic 'drivetrain' power loss it causes. This is achieved, in part, by eliminating the torque converter and using synchronizers instead of shift-clutches.
The transmission will first be paired with a 2.0 litre diesel engine in 'international' markets, meaning it looks like it may not be headed here just yet. It's part of Chrysler's powertrain offensive plan which was announced last year.
photo:Chrysler