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Ford launch new twin-clutch transmission
publication date: Aug 15, 2009
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author/source: Robin Roberts
 | | | Ford's new six-speed PowerShift automatic
transmission delivers the performance and fuel economy of a manual
gearbox with the comfort and convenience of an auto.
The secret behind PowerShift's smooth and frugal performance is the use
of two electronically-controlled clutch units, which ensure seamless
delivery of power to the wheels.
The two clutches each control what are effectively separate three-speed
gearboxes. When the driver selects "D", first gear is selected in
gearbox one and second gear is pre-selected in gearbox two.
As the throttle is applied, the clutch is engaged electronically and
the car pulls away in first gear. At the appropriate moment drive is
switched automatically to the pre-selected second gear and third gear
is pre-selected in gearbox one.
Gearbox one contains first, third and fifth gears, while gearbox two
consists of second, fourth and sixth. Sophisticated electronic control
enables gears to be pre-selected according to whether the car is
accelerating or decelerating.
Pat Oldani, Ford's automatic transmission manager, said: “Our
PowerShift transmission is already proving popular on Ford Focus and
C-MAX, demonstrating that you can have both excellent fuel economy and
low CO2 emissions with an automatic gearbox.
“The double-clutch technology gives you the best of both worlds – the
efficiency of a manual, combined with the effortless, two-pedal
operation of a conventional automatic.”
The six-speed Ford PowerShift transmission is available with the
advanced 136PS 2.0TDCi diesel engine, and the partnership delivers
impressive results: in a Ford Focus, the pairing achieves 48.6mpg* and
CO2 emissions of 154g/km.
Drivers have the option of using a full automatic mode or selecting
gears manually. In automatic mode, the enjoyment of relaxed driving is
the same as for a conventional automatic transmission, with the usual
Park, Reverse, Neutral and Drive settings.
Shifting the gear lever to the right activates a sports mode, enabling
the driver to make swift and smooth manual changes when the lever is
moved forwards (to change down) or backwards (to change up).
The strong torque output of the TDCi diesel engine allows a high sixth
gear ratio, leading to relaxed cruising with excellent fuel economy and
enhanced refinement. |
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