Dual-clutch transmissions are renowned for their faster shift times, seamless gearshifts and better fuel economy over conventional manuals and automatics.
Now, transmission specialist BorgWarner is taking them a step further by developing a next-generation design claimed to be 40% more fuel efficient than existing versions.
Breakthroughs in advanced friction materials, heat exchange improvements and optimized control systems have brought about the savings in fuel-economy. The new set-up features a “humid” or moist-clutch design as opposed to the full wet clutch of the current version, which ensures less friction and energy losses.
BorgWarner already supplies dual-clutch transmissions to Volkswagen, Audi, Bugatti, SAIC, and more recently Nissan and Mitsubishi. There are a string of other carmakers lining up to start using the efficient gearboxes including Ford and Mercedes Benz. Current production levels are expected to quadruple over the next six years to 2.3 million units annually.
Source:
Motor Authority » Borgwarner builds a better dual-clutch gearbox 