Ford Launches Dry Clutch Version of Dual-Clutch PowerShift Transmission in 2010
In 2010, Ford Motor Company will launch in North America the dry-clutch version of the Dual-Clutch PowerShift Transmission for small cars.
Dual-Clutch technology comprises of two parallel manual transmissions, each one with an independent clutch mechanism. The first one has the irregular gears of 1, 3, and 5, while the other one carries the even gears of 2, 4, and 6. These two mechanisms synchronize with each other for flawless gear shifts and torque delivery.
The PowerShift can successfully reduce the consumption of fuel by 9% when compared to conventional automatic four-speed transmissions. Wet clutch plates are flooded in oil, therefore, this dry clutch technology does away with slightly heavier torque converters and oil pumps, while still providing maximum mechanical performance. It also eliminates hydraulic fluids, and cooling lines. The PowerShift eradicates the external cooler that traditional wet clutch mechanism carries. Therefore, the dry clutch derivative is 30 pounds less than the four-speed automatic transmission packed in the latest Ford Focus.
“A dry clutch is a real sweet spot for lighter vehicle applications,” says Piero Aversa, Manager for 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.”
Expected to be a hit in fuel-efficient cars of today, the Dry Clutch version of the PowerShift provides a new technology for Ford to produce vehicles that will be the best in category and especially among the green or fuel efficient automobiles of today.
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