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.
07/02, 12:12 PM
posted by:
Madcapp
Yeah no kiddin’, so’s everybody else in the world because they are such a good idea and they obsolete all other transmission types, weather manual or automatic. Would be nice if the Challenger had this right out of the gate.
07/02, 12:31 PM
posted by:
400horseSS
screw that all i want to know is what is gas milege and cost
07/02, 12:32 PM
posted by:
928driver
I seem to recall multiple applications of Dual Clutch setups from cars in the 60’s and 70’s. All of these were abandoned in favor of the single clutch design. It was initially used for high powered sports cars, but was discovered that it wasn’t necessary as clutch disc technology changed. Hopefully this isn’t change for the sake of change.
07/02, 12:56 PM
posted by:
Madcapp
928, your comparison against 1960’s transmissions and their prehistoric technology is every bit the parallel of trying to compare a 4 bbl Holly carburetor to modern piezoelectric direct fuel injection with computer fuel curve mapping. Its not change for the sake of change, its a long overdue step into the present.
07/02, 2:59 PM
posted by:
928driver
Wow, I hadn’t thought of that. Thanks for pointing that out. I guess that even though my analogy was posted to invoke thought among the other readers, and to try to remind people that while many new and exciting innovations are developed all of the time to improve fuel economy and power, that most do not pan out. I am also very aware of the differences between old vs new technologies in the automotive industry, as I am very deeply involved in developing these some of these new technologies. It was just my intention to point out that just because marketing firms are attaching buzz words like “improved fuel economy” and “greater HP” that people should properly evaluate these claims before jumping on the band wagon.
However, I can now see that this site is really for those who insist on proving others wrong by assuming that they are the utmost authority on everything automotive. I can not claim to be an authority on everything automotive, nor do I pretend to be. My area of expertise is in automotive electronics, you know, things like EFI, and the such.
07/02, 3:35 PM
posted by:
Culley
Well, since the purpose of the site is to prove people wrong *smirk* Madcapp?? When you typed, “weather manual or automatic” you actually meant to type “whether”… I feel like I am participating. (Just Kidding)
07/02, 8:04 PM
posted by:
S-60-driver
this should help Chrysler with fuel economy. They are known for their worst fuel mileage acoss the lineup. Look at the new Aveneger with 3.5L engine….city is rated 16 MPG!!! SIXTEEN!! God, thats in truck/SUV terrority.
07/02, 8:24 PM
posted by:
Sharif
R.I.P. Chrysler
June 6, 1925 – July 2, 2007
07/02, 8:25 PM
posted by:
Sharif
This is a sad day for all of us automotive fans.
07/03, 6:59 PM
posted by:
jackjimturkey
I’m not an MPG nut, but 16?
I don’t understand the purpose of a duel-clutch Chrysler.