Getrag dual clutch gearboxes could hit 2 million a year by 2014!
The burgeoning interest in dual clutch gearboxes should be big business for Getrag over the next few years. Because a dual clutch transmission (DCT) combines the greater efficiency of a manual with full automatic shift capability they are being installed in more vehicles all the time. The first widespread use of DCTs was on Volkswagen and Audi models in the last few years with their Borg-Warner-built DSG units.
For 2008, Volvo is adding a DCT to the S40 and V50 while Ford is also adding one to the Focus equipped with a new 2.0L turbodiesel. Chrysler is also installing a DCT in European-spec models of the new Dodge Journey CUV. By 2010 Getrag expects to sell 500,000 DCTs a year growing to 2 million by 2014. That doesn't include the 700,000 units that will come from the Chrysler-Getrag joint venture starting in 2009.
[Source: Automotive News - Sub. req'd]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Michael Hippenhammer 4:56PM (9/18/2007)
I have been test driving the VW and Audi with the DSG/Autotronic transmissions and I am impressed. With the paddle shifters on the steering wheel I can negotiate turns and shifting flawlessly with out having to take my eyes, grip, and attention off the road. Coupled with the 2.0T engines they are a kick in the pants to drive.
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NickTDI 9:38PM (9/18/2007)
How reliable is the DSG-DCT long term? Do the clutches have to be replaced? Would they last 5 years or more?
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EEGeek 7:35AM (9/19/2007)
We'll have to wait & see about long-term reliability; the DSG has been out about 2.5 years now (I think), with some users approaching 100K miles. So far it seems that the relatively few problems have mostly been with the electronics of the 2005/2006 models. And of course the Getrag units may have different results than the Borg-Warner units that VAG sells.
But the $400 service every 40K miles on the DSG gives me pause. I'll probably stick with a stick on the next purchase.
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MikeW 12:47PM (9/19/2007)
Change the filter and change the oil yourself.
Save $300, if your labor is free.
Save $200, and 'pay' yourself with a $100 present.
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Bob Sheaves 1:49PM (9/19/2007)
This transmission is a development of the Chrysler Ricardo design used in the ME Four12 show/development car. The basic AMT design (automated mechanical transmission) was first introduced in the late 1970's by Eaton/Fuller for a military truck program. The CE2MAT HD truck commercial transmission of the early/mid 1980's was a development from that. Today's Ultrashift - a 2 pedal design http://www.roadranger.com/Roadranger/productssolutions/transmissions/UltraShiftHV/index.htm - (fully automatic) and AutoShift - a 3 pedal design http://www.roadranger.com/ecm/groups/public/@pub/@roadranger/documents/content/ct_111871.pdf - (clutch pedal for all stops and starts) are the current leaders in this world of AMT's, with the most "in service" milage accumulations.
ZF/Meritor also offers such a design - ZF/Meritor FreedomLine http://www.meritorhvs.com/Product_CVS.aspx?product_id=26&top_nav_str=hvs##SP68 - for commercial use.
Both of these designs are proven in real world use of over several million miles of testing each and hundreds of million miles of is service use by customers.
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