Why does the Tucson use a dry dual-clutch transmission?
2 Answers
The Tucson uses a dry dual-clutch transmission because it offers fast shifting, fuel efficiency, and smooth gear changes. A dry dual-clutch transmits torque through friction plates on the driven disc of the clutch. By eliminating the need for a hydraulic system and leveraging the high torque transmission efficiency of dry clutches, it enhances performance. Compared to wet clutches, dry clutches consume less energy during gear shift slippage, significantly improving fuel economy. The advantages of a dry dual-clutch transmission include: Fast Shifting: The shifting time of a dual-clutch transmission is extremely short, faster than a manual transmission, taking less than 0.2 seconds. Fuel Efficiency: By eliminating torque interruption, the dual-clutch transmission ensures continuous utilization of engine power, always operating at optimal efficiency, which leads to significant fuel savings. Compared to traditional planetary gear automatic transmissions, it improves fuel economy by approximately 15%. Smooth Gear Changes: Due to the rapid shifting speed, each gear change is very smooth, with minimal jerkiness.
Last time I talked to a Hyundai engineer about this, the essence of choosing a dry dual-clutch transmission boils down to three words: cost-effectiveness. The Tucson is positioned as a family SUV, and the dry-type is much simpler in structure than the wet-type, reducing manufacturing costs by about 20%. It uses one less set of gears on the driveshaft, saves half the transmission oil, and reduces the vehicle weight by over ten kilograms. The fuel consumption can be 0.8L/100km lower than an AT transmission, which is very practical for family users who care about fuel costs. Hyundai has improved the cooling system and tuned the shifting logic to be more conservative, so overheating isn't an issue under normal driving conditions. However, it's not recommended for mountain road racing—it's more than sufficient for city commuting.
