What does AMT in cars refer to?
3 Answers
AMT in cars refers to: Automated Manual Transmission, which is an improvement and upgrade based on the traditional manual gear transmission, combining the advantages of both AT (Automatic Transmission) and MT (Manual Transmission) into an integrated electromechanical-hydraulic automatic transmission. Here are the advantages of AMT in cars: AMT possesses the automatic transmission benefits of hydraulic automatic transmissions while retaining the high efficiency and ease of manufacturing of manual transmission gear rotation. The automatic transmission can determine the appropriate gear based on parameters such as vehicle speed, throttle, and driver commands, controlling operations originally performed manually by the driver, such as clutch disengagement and engagement, shifting the gear lever, and synchronous adjustment of the engine throttle opening. Ultimately, it achieves automation in the shifting process.
Simply put, an AMT (Automated Manual Transmission) is an automatic manual gearbox, which means it adds automatic control to a manual transmission. The computer operates the clutch and gear lever for you, so you don't need to press the clutch or shift gears manually while driving. I feel this is especially suitable for beginners or city traffic congestion because it eliminates the hassle of a manual transmission, making operation much simpler—almost like semi-autonomous driving. However, it's worth noting that AMTs may have some jerky sensations during gear shifts, not as smooth as traditional automatic transmissions, and they are generally cheaper, commonly found in many budget cars like the Baojun 310. Technically, it retains the efficient structure of a manual transmission, offering better fuel economy, but long-term use requires maintenance of clutch components to prevent excessive wear and reduced lifespan. In short, an AMT is a good compromise—if you're looking for practicality without spending too much, it's worth a try.
I once used the AMT system while driving a friend's car, which is essentially an intelligent manual transmission where the computer takes over the gear-shifting actions, eliminating the need to manually operate the clutch pedal and freeing up the left foot—quite a refreshing experience. Especially in city traffic jams, it automatically shifts gears, avoiding the fatigue from frequent manual operations. However, the downside of AMT is that gear shifts can sometimes feel less smooth, particularly during low-speed turns where it might feel abrupt. Overall, it's cost-effective and not difficult to maintain, with fuel efficiency close to that of a manual transmission, making it more economical and environmentally friendly compared to traditional automatic transmissions. I'd recommend AMT if you're on a budget but still want a more effortless driving experience, offering a balanced performance—just don't expect the ultra-smooth feel of luxury transmissions.
