THE DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission) is simply described as a manual transmission that is automatically shifted. The DCT was developed in Europe for high horsepower expensive sports cars. (Porsche, Ferrari, Mercedes Benz). The advanges here were the ability to handle much more horsepower than an automatic and shift faster than a pure manual.
THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS
As the name implies the DCT has two clutch packs. There is a larger outside clutch and a smaller (diameter) clutch in the center of the donut hole of the larger clutch. One clutch engages the odd gears (1,3,5) and the second clutch controls the even gears (2,4,6).
The genius here is how it works. When you select Drive the transmission selects gears 1 & 2 and engages the clutch on gear 1. When the shift point is reached it simply disengages clutch 1 and engages clutch 2. When clutch 1 is disengaged gear 3 is selected and the clutches alternate up and dopwn through the gears.up and down the gears.
This is the two clutches of a DCT. The inner and outer clutches operate independently
You can the drive like a regular automatic by simply selecting D (drive) and pushing on the gas. The DCT will shift itself according to the program in the car’s computer. The driver may also chose to select the shifts themselves by using the manual mode.
The car can be driven like a regular automatic by simply selecting D (drive) and pushing on the gas. The DCT will shift itself according to the program in the car’s computer. The driver may also chose to select the shifts themselves using the manual mode.
The DCT is also smaller and lighter than an automatic. There is a physical connection between the engine and transmission so there is very little power loss. This provides DCT equipped cars with better performance and better gas mileage. As the DCT became more popular the cost was reduced by mass production and the DCT found its way into even economy cars like the Ford Focus and others.
ADVANTAGES
- Handles high Horsepower and Torque
- Minimal loss of power
- Shifts faster than manuals and automatics
- Reliability
- Better fuel economy
Disadvantages
- More expensive than a manual
- Shifts are not as smooth as an automatic
The only transmission available in the 760 Horsepower Shelby GT 500 is a 7 speed DCT Dual Clutch Transmission.
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