Is Dual Clutch an Automatic Transmission?
1 Answers
Dual clutch is an automatic transmission. The dual clutch transmission, abbreviated as DCT, differs from conventional automatic transmission systems. It is based on a manual transmission yet belongs to the category of automatic transmissions. In addition to offering the flexibility of a manual transmission and the comfort of an automatic transmission, it also provides uninterrupted power output. Simply put, a dual clutch system employs two sets of clutches working simultaneously—one managing the odd-numbered gears and the other handling the even-numbered gears. This design aims to eliminate the power interruption issue during gear shifts in traditional manual transmissions, thereby achieving rapid gear changes. Currently, common dual clutch transmissions include Volkswagen's DSG, Ford's PowerShift, Mitsubishi's SST, and Porsche's PDK.