What does AMT mean?
2 Answers
AMT stands for Automated Mechanical Transmission, which means mechanical automatic transmission or automatic manual transmission in Chinese. It is an automatic transmission system controlled by the engine based on a dry clutch and gear transmission. Here is the relevant introduction: 1. How AMT transmission works: The working principle of AMT transmission is to modify the original mechanical transmission (manual transmission), mainly changing the manual shift control part. That is, under the condition that the overall transmission structure remains unchanged, the automation of shifting is realized by adding a microcomputer-controlled automatic control system. Therefore, AMT is actually a computer-controlled robot system to complete the operation of the clutch and gear selection. The core technology of AMT is microcomputer control, and the electronic technology and quality will directly determine the performance and operation quality of AMT. 2. Application of AMT transmission: AMT technology originally came from F1, and the first civilian car to use AMT technology was the Ferrari F355. This technology, called "F1" transmission technology by Ferrari, was equipped on later models such as the F360, F430, and 599GTB, and Maserati naturally adopted it as well. BMW also favored this technology, and the SMG transmission equipped on its high-performance M5 and M3 is actually AMT. 3. Advantages of AMT transmission: AMT transmission retains the inherent advantages of traditional MT gear transmission, such as high transmission efficiency, compact structure, reliable operation, and easy manufacturing. Compared with AT, it not only has a faster response speed but also can increase power by more than 7% and save 10-15% of fuel. 4. Disadvantages of AMT transmission: During shifting, the single-clutch gear engages, and the power will be briefly interrupted when the clutch is disengaged. Therefore, the smoothness is not as good as that of ordinary AT hydraulic engagement, which limits its application in high-end luxury cars.
In the automotive field, AMT typically refers to Automated Manual Transmission, a technology that combines manual and automatic transmissions. Simply put, it retains the mechanical structure of manual shifting but uses a computer to control the clutch and gear changes, eliminating the hassle of manually operating the clutch. I remember the first time I drove a small SUV equipped with AMT—it felt quite smooth during acceleration, not as tiring as a manual transmission, especially in stop-and-go traffic where it spared my legs from fatigue. However, there were occasional jerks, particularly during low-speed gear shifts, making it slightly less smooth compared to a pure automatic transmission. AMT is suitable for beginners or those who prefer relaxed driving, as it simplifies the driving process. But during maintenance, attention should be paid to clutch wear issues, and checking the fluids every 20,000 kilometers can extend its lifespan. Overall, if you seek driving enjoyment without too much effort, AMT is a great choice.
