Chrysler is the first U.S. automaker to announce plans for dual-clutch transmissions on U.S. models, according to Automotive News. The automaker has partnered with Getrag to produce the transmissions, which were developed in Europe and are sold on some Volkswagen and Audi models in the U.S.
Chrysler says that the transmissions, designed by Getrag, will be ready for the 2010 model year and will have six speeds. Initially, the transmissions will bolt up to Chrysler’s new family of Phoenix V6 engines, but they’re also expected to work with the diesel engines the automaker is planning to introduce for the United States. The dual-clutch transmissions may eventually replace the costly continuously variable transmissions currently used in some of the automaker’s small cars.
Dual-clutch transmissions transmit power to the wheels faster than a traditional automatic or manual transmission. They also tend to offer better fuel economy. Chrysler is the first U.S. atuomaker to embrace the technology and they’re going at it full force. Construction started last month on a transmission plant joint venture between Chrysler and Getrag in Tipton, Ind. The plant is expected to produce 700,000 transmissions annually.
