Ford announces PowerShift dual-clutch gearbox for U.S. in 2010

[SVT666]

Ford announces PowerShift dual-clutch gearbox for U.S. in 2010

Ford today announced it is joining the growing number of automakers that have elected to use dual-clutch transmissions in place of traditional automatic gearboxes. DCTs ? first popularized by Volkswagen under the DSG name ? shift faster than typical manual gearboxes and are as smooth as the best automatics.

Ford?s six-speed PowerShift automated manual unit also promises to reduce fuel consumption by up to 9 percent, compared to a traditional automatic four-speed transmission.

Ford further committed that almost 100 percent of its transmissions will be ?advanced six-speed? gearboxes by 2013. However, it is not clear if the company means dual-clutch units, or simply transmissions with at least six gears.

The PowerShift system uses two computer-controleld clutches ? one for even gears and one for odd gears ? to provide fast shifts without the jerkiness of first-generation automated manuals, like BMW?s SMG. PowerShift will offer drivers a fully automatic model, or manual control, albeit without a clutch pedal.

In Europe, Ford currently offers a PowerShift transmission in the Ford Focus. This PowerShift uses a twin wet-clutch system to handle the higher torque levels of the 2.0-liter TDCI engine available in the Focus. In North America, a dry-clutch derivative of Ford?s PowerShift transmission will be used for added efficiency and durability.

A dry clutch transmits power and torque through manual transmission clutch facings, while most automatic transmissions utilize wet clutch plates submerged in oil. As a result, the dry-clutch PowerShift transmission does not require an oil pump or torque converter, providing superior mechanical efficiency.

?A dry clutch is a real sweet spot for lighter vehicle applications,? said Piero Aversa, manager, Ford Automatic Transmission Engineering. ?PowerShift is more efficient, it saves weight, is more durable, more efficient and the unit is sealed for life, requiring no regular maintenance.?

Another highlight of the system is ?neutral coast down,? which disengages the clutch when the brakes are applied, improving coasting downshifts and clutch robustness as well as reducing parasitic losses for increased fuel economy.

A low-speed ?creep? mode simulates the low-speed control drivers are accustomed to from an automatic transmission by monitoring brake pressure and modulating the clutch accordingly. The system also automatically maintains brake pressure on hills to prevent rolling back.

[AutobahnSHO]

I love it when ford introduces so much whiz-bang crap that breaks down..

You got a LOT of standard features in the original Taurus- many which didn't work 8-10yrs later (or even earlier...)

BUT,
That's good news for fuel economy and I'm assuming these can't be too much more to repair than a slushbox, right??

[Cookie Monster]

Are these replacing autos only or also manuals?