Does AT Transmission Refer to the Tiptronic?
2 Answers
AT transmission does not necessarily mean Tiptronic. Below are the relevant introductions about Tiptronic: Transmission: Tiptronic transmission is not AT. Tiptronic refers to a certain type of automatic transmission that has manual shifting functionality, and this transmission with manual shifting capability is not necessarily an AT transmission—it could also be a dual-clutch or CVT transmission. Transmission mainly refers to the car's gearbox, which is divided into manual and automatic types. Manual Transmission vs. Automatic Transmission: A manual transmission primarily consists of gears and shafts, achieving speed and torque changes through different gear combinations. On the other hand, an automatic transmission (AT) is composed of a torque converter, planetary gears, a hydraulic torque variation system, and a hydraulic control system, achieving speed and torque changes through hydraulic transmission and gear combinations.
I've been driving for over a decade and often get asked this question. AT transmission is actually the English abbreviation for automatic transmission, meaning it can shift gears automatically without you needing to press the clutch. The manual-automatic transmission is an upgraded version of AT, adding a manual mode that allows you to manually shift gears using paddle shifters or the gear lever. However, not all AT transmissions come with manual functionality; older AT models don't have it. Nowadays, many new cars integrate manual mode to enhance driving pleasure, offering a more engaging driving experience. If you prefer hassle-free driving, a pure AT is sufficient, but if you occasionally want some sporty feel, opting for one with manual mode is better. When buying a used car, pay attention to this detail to avoid being misled by sellers claiming it's manual-automatic when it only has automatic mode. There are quite a few types of transmissions, like CVT and DCT, each with its pros and cons. Next time, I can talk about how to choose the one that suits you best. In short, AT covers a broader range, and manual-automatic is just a part of it.