RBK

See Autoweek - too long to place here
Dual-clutch transmissions stuck in neutral: Why American buyers are rejecting a once-promising technology --Best

OnPoint

Here is a link:

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...Yxrt84L8eM6R3g

6104696

We have a 2014 Focus with the dual clutch transmission (kid's car, dirt cheap, go easy on me). It is a blast to drive, but it is jerky as hell. My daughter refuses to drive it. I was able to sell my sons on it by explaining that it is high performance technology at work.


I knew what we were getting into, but I still took the car in for it to be checked out because it was so jerky. Not only when shifting, but when making turns, etc.


I enjoy driving it, but it is easy to see why your average Focus buyer would hate it. Sure Ford could do a better job with the shift programming, but to enjoy the benefits of the technology, a certain level of jerkiness will be inherent.

descartesfool

Funny how virtually every high end sports car in the world uses dual clutch transmissions.

That would be:

Bugatti Veyron
Ferrari
Lamborghini
Audi R8's and others
McLaren
Porsche GT3 and almost all others Porches sold
Nissan GT-R
AMG GT-S
Pagani (Hybrid automated manual by Xtrac)
Koenigsegg
BMW M series cars
and others

Once promising technology????

AllFlash

Hmmm could we then say that, given exception to the blessed Bugatti, the Z06 is as capable as the rest of the pack, but at a fraction of the price of most, without dual clutch?

ZR1Bob

My thought is the reason we don't see more of them, besides the fact that many people don't like the harsh way they shift, is that the regular automatic has become such a good transmission in most all cars. Hard to fault the Corvette 8 speed and even 2014's 6 speed was pretty good. --Bob

RBK

I too wonder what the story behind the story is all about.

I have a 458 and just sold a Porsche Turbo S both with dual clutch transmissions. I own a Z 06 A8 which works well but not as well as a dual clutch in my experience.

I am not knowledgeable enough to know what "types" of dual clutch transmissions are produced, but "jump to the conclusion", there must be a difference between the transmissions, which would explain the problem. Maybe those produced for upper end cars are superior in some way. Best

Rd16rr

...i believe the reality of it is they needed a new fresh transmission redesign to meet the space constraints....it will probably be in next evolution of car....(just what was discussed in interviews gone by)

Rd16rr

My VolksWagen 2008 R32 and current, 2015 GolfR have dual clutch transmissions that are REAL & SPECTACULAR....if its possible for that and better in a Z06 (like a 458 i would guess) we should eventually have it

tbrenny33

2 things I'd say about that list all are expensive higher end cars with probably better design and working ability. Also I'd bet most of those aren't daily drivers and just used for spirited driving which is were the DCT is so good. We've heard guys complain about daily use with a dct. I'm sure the Vette will move to one sooner then later.

BWFitz

Still promising technology! But it is supported by the pricepoint of the cars you listed. The failures are all in econo-boxes which do not have a market value capable of supporting the level of investment that a dual clutch box needs for reliability. it's inexpensive and they fail in a ford Focus but work just fine in a big Lambo.

OnPoint

I believe GM will go DCT on the C8, and perhaps share that across some of the Cadillac models for broader amortization. Given GM's lack of experience with them, I think I'll give them a good 2 - 3 years of making them before I buy one of them.

b4i4getit

GM has had patents for a few years on a DCT transmission. I am not kidding when I say it may be coming on the 2017 models. We will know in a few months.

C7_Z06

I have a Porsche with PDK (DCT) and I have driven both 458 and a California T with DCT's. I have also driven an A6 Stingray and an A8 Z06... in the end the DCT is still better, IMO. Make it like P-cars or F-cars and then I'd personally consider it on a C7 (or C8?).

Rguy271

Acura has a DCT, with a torque converter to prevent the jerkiness...

OnPoint

I think that would great to see. Hopefully they'll spend some time on it to get it as bug-free as you can on the launch. New territory for GM, so I'm sure there will be at least some bugs to work out. Caddy and Camaro could use it as well.

Snorman

This thread is useless without the OP linking to the article he is referencing. What was the point of even starting it?
S.

gurneyeagle

Interesting read. I've got a DCT in my Mercedes and it shifts fine.


I wonder if GM will ever introduce a DCT since their A8 has been successful. It's like the continued use of the OHV design versus OHC which helps packaging.


The technology that has me wondering is Direct Injection. With the build-up on valves apparently being an issue, I wonder if DI is the next thing to be challenged.


I guess we'll see.

turbo8765

What's the evidence for this?

I'd love to see a DCT C7 but can't imagine it will happen. As I understand it, GM spent a ton of money on the A8 and will, therefore, use it in as many vehicles as they can.

BOBSZ06

http://autoweek.com/article/car-news...once-promising