C&D reviews a big rig.

[565]

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/car/09q3/2009_international_lonestar_harley-davidson_limited_edition-road_test

Actually a bit fun to read.

[giant_mtb]

[S204STi]

It has sort of a 20s-40s sedan look to it with that massive chrome grill.  Kinda cool.

I bet driving it is a real chore though, as reflected in the review.

[Submariner]

Usually, I prefer manual to automatic.

Not with this truck, though.

[93JC]

That may be the tackiest monstrosity I've ever seen.

[omicron]

Obviously.

[SVT_Power]

That has to be a scary sight in person

[NomisR]

It would've looked so much better with gold trims

[Minpin]

That may be the tackiest monstrosity I've ever seen.

Obviously you haven't spent much time on USA Freeways. It's a competition by the truckers to see who can get the most menacing rig, and as such they have huge trade shows just for big rig customizing.


And there is absolutely nothing uncool about that.

[Submariner]

Obviously.

I think I'd opt for Lexus's new 18 speed auto.

In all seriousness though, I'm no expert on truck transmissions.  Why the complication?

[GoCougs]

I think I'd opt for Lexus's new 18 speed auto.

In all seriousness though, I'm no expert on truck transmissions.  Why the complication?

It's not too different than your average 4x4. In actuality, a 6sp M/T Wrangler with a 2sp (hi/lo) transfer case is a 12 speed. A big rig employs the same basic principal save that the hi/lo is shifted on the fly as a normal course of operation, which makes things more complicated.

A true 12 speed (i.e., rather than a 6 speed with a 2 speed transfer case) would be monstrously large, complex and expensive piece of machinery. Further, there aren't any ATs in big rigs because they can't keep them cool inexpensively, and they aren't as efficient as manual transmissions.

[Submariner]

It's not too different than your average 4x4. In actuality, a 6sp M/T Wrangler with a 2sp (hi/lo) transfer case is a 12 speed. A big rig employs the same basic principal save that the hi/lo is shifted on the fly as a normal course of operation, which makes things more complicated.

A true 12 speed (i.e., rather than a 6 speed with a 2 speed transfer case) would be monstrously large, complex and expensive piece of machinery. Further, there aren't any ATs in big rigs because they can't keep them cool inexpensively, and they aren't as efficient as manual transmissions.

Gotchya.

Thanks 

[omicron]

It's not too different than your average 4x4. In actuality, a 6sp M/T Wrangler with a 2sp (hi/lo) transfer case is a 12 speed. A big rig employs the same basic principal save that the hi/lo is shifted on the fly as a normal course of operation, which makes things more complicated.

A true 12 speed (i.e., rather than a 6 speed with a 2 speed transfer case) would be monstrously large, complex and expensive piece of machinery. Further, there aren't any ATs in big rigs because they can't keep them cool inexpensively, and they aren't as efficient as manual transmissions.

I seem to recall the diminuitive little Mitsubishi Colt of the late '70s having a 4x2 manual transmission, now that I think of it.

[Byteme]

I think I'd opt for Lexus's new 18 speed auto.

In all seriousness though, I'm no expert on truck transmissions.  Why the complication?

There are some automatics out there and at least one simi automatic.  It's a matter of durability and cost.

[SVT666]

I've seen several of these trucks on the road here and I think they look damn cool.

[MrH]

There are some automatics out there and at least one simi automatic.  It's a matter of durability and cost.

Eaton was working on a computer actuated clutch awhile back.  Not sure if it's in production or not yet.  Imagine an SMG for trucks.

[hotrodalex]

I've seen several of these trucks on the road here and I think they look damn cool.

They aren't bad, but no truck is cooler than a customized Peterbilt.

[Pancor]

It's not too different than your average 4x4. In actuality, a 6sp M/T Wrangler with a 2sp (hi/lo) transfer case is a 12 speed. A big rig employs the same basic principal save that the hi/lo is shifted on the fly as a normal course of operation, which makes things more complicated.

A true 12 speed (i.e., rather than a 6 speed with a 2 speed transfer case) would be monstrously large, complex and expensive piece of machinery. Further, there aren't any ATs in big rigs because they can't keep them cool inexpensively, and they aren't as efficient as manual transmissions.

Actually, automatics are getting quite popular in 18 wheelers, although you'd be hard pressed to find one in a decked-out owner/operator rig like a Lonestar.   With an 18 speed, obviously the only time you're going to use all the ratios is when you're heavy as all hell,so I don't understand all the fuss about the tranny.  Bobtailing like in the article, you would shift it like an 8 speed and still be plenty quick!

[GoCougs]

Actually, automatics are getting quite popular in 18 wheelers, although you'd be hard pressed to find one in a decked-out owner/operator rig like a Lonestar.   With an 18 speed, obviously the only time you're going to use all the ratios is when you're heavy as all hell,so I don't understand all the fuss about the tranny.  Bobtailing like in the article, you would shift it like an 8 speed and still be plenty quick!

Are you referring to the DSG-type? There's some of that, but I think calling them a true AT is a bit of a stretch, as they still have a clutch pedal for starts (and no torque converter).

[Byteme]

Eaton was working on a computer actuated clutch awhile back.  Not sure if it's in production or not yet.  Imagine an SMG for trucks.

I think the Eaton unit is in prodution. 

[NomisR]

What they need is a CVT unit that can handle all the torque of a big rig.

[Laconian]

What they need is a CVT unit that can handle all the torque of a big rig.

IVT!

[Eye of the Tiger]

What they need is a CVT unit that can handle all the torque of a big rig.

eCVT!