Automatic
transmissions are becoming increasingly popular in modern cars due to their
convenience to drivers. There are different types of automatic transmissions
available. Let's take a quick look at the options.
HIGHLIGHTS
- There are different
types of automatic transmissions or dual pedal technologies.
- The automatic
transmission technologies include traditional Automatic Transmission (AT),
Automated-Manual Transmission (AMT), Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT),
Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT), Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) and Tiptronic
Transmission.
An automatic transmission is also known as self-shifting transmission or AT or dual pedal technology, as this system operates without a clutch pedal. It is a type of motor vehicle transmission that can automatically change gear ratios as the vehicle moves, erasing the need to shift gears manually.
The automatic transmission is especially efficient in bumper to bumper congested traffic in cities, where a manual transmission-equipped vehicle's driver needs to constantly move the gears.
There are different types of automatic transmissions or dual pedal technologies. Largely these are categorised as - Automatic Transmission (AT), Automated-Manual Transmission (AMT), Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT), Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) and Tiptronic Transmission.
There are various types of automatic transmissions that save the drivers
from the inconvenience of changing gears frequently in congested city traffic
conditions.
The vehicle's Engine Control Unit (ECU) is directly connected to the system to allow smooth and precise engine control of the vehicle. This technology In India, automakers like Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi use the automatic transmission technology in many of their cars and SUV's.
Automatic Transmission (AT)
The traditional automatic transmission is also known as torque converter automatic and it is the frequently used self-shifting technology acrossmost vehicles. It uses a hydraulic fluid coupling or a torque converter to do the job of changing gears instead of a clutch.The vehicle's Engine Control Unit (ECU) is directly connected to the system to allow smooth and precise engine control of the vehicle. This technology In India, automakers like Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi use the automatic transmission technology in many of their cars and SUV's.
AMT is considered as one of the most popular variant of dual pedal
technology. In picture, Lumax's e-shifter.
Automated Manual Transmission (AMT)
Automated Manual Transmission, which is also known as AMT is a semi-autonomous
transmission system. However, many automakers call it by other brand names as
well. For example, Maruti Suzuki calls this technology as Auto Gear Shift or
AGS, which is widely used in the automaker's models like Swift, Celerio,
WagonR, Alto K10 etc.
The AMT uses a regular clutch and gear configuration but makes use of sensors,
actuators, processors, and pneumatics to simulate manual gear use. This type of
transmission is not very expensive compared to the traditional automatic
gearbox, but offers users better mileage than manual gearbox and convenience of
a dual-pedal technology as well. Apart from Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors too uses
AMT in its models like Nexon SUV and Tigor compact sedan.
CVT or Continually Variable Transmission uses belts or pulleys instead
of traditional steel gears. It is a form of automatic transmission system.
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
Continuously Variable Transmission or CVT is another form of automatic transmission technology. This technology uses belts or pulleys instead of traditional steel gears. It offers seamless gear shifting with various ratios, which depend on engine speed of revolution per minute or RPM.A CVT system focuses on maximum fuel efficiency and continuous acceleration at the same time. However, in a CVT car engine noise can be loud compared to other forms of automatic transmission systems. In India cars like Maruti Suzuki Baleno, Honda Jazz, Nissan Micra, Honda Amaze are mated to CVT technology.
Dual Clutch Transmission or DCT is a combination of automatic and manual
gearbox system.
Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT)
Dual Clutch Transmission or DCT is a combination of automatic and manual gearbox system. It has no torque converter like a traditional automatic transmission. This technology comprises of two separate shafts with their own clutches for gear shifting, one with even-numbered gears and one for odd-numbered gears.
Shifting to the higher and lower gears in this technology is seamless but can become noisy and sometimes rough for the gear-shift. DCT is a dry transmission system, which allows the driver to not change the gearbox fluid ever. This system keeps the clutches dry and wearing out of the frictional quality happens eventually.
Volkswagen Group terms the DCT as Direct Shift Gearbox or DSG. The models like BMW 3 Series Coupe, BMW M3, Ferrari California, Porsche 911 use the Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT). Other notable models are Kia Seltos and Hyundai Venue.
Tiptronic Transmission
Tiptronic transmission is usually used in performance cars or sportscars. This technology is also known as manumatic. Pioneered by German sportscar manufacturer Porche in the '90s, the Tiptronic transmission works similarly to a manual gearbox, but it uses a torque converter instead of a clutch pedal.
The Tiptronic transmission comes with an option for the driver to override the automatic gear changing mode with manual selection of gears, which is preferred by many drivers who love old-school driving charm. The Tiptronic transmission system comes with a built-in safety feature that prevents the driver from damaging the gearbox while he or she over-revs during downshifting.
In India, Audi A8 sedan, Porsche Cayenne Coupe uses this transmission technology.
