A Direct Shift Gearbox/DSG or Dual Clutch Transmission/DCT utilises two separate clutches in place of a singular item to transmit torque further along the vehicle's driveline. It is essentially two clutches and two gearboxes in the one vehicle.
While the concept of a dual clutch transmission dates back to the early 1900s, it wasn't until the 1980s that significant advancements in electronic management allowed working examples and racing applications to be produced. The first clutch is responsible for controlling gears 1/3/5 and the second clutch looks after gears 2/4/6 and reverse. This provides smooth shifting similar to automatic transmission but the efficiency of a manual transmission. The TCM (Transmission Control Module) determines which gear is selected.
Which cars use DCT transmissions?
Dual clutch transmissions are available in a wide range of passenger and sports vehicles from car makers such as VW, Audi, Ford, Renault, Kia and Hyundai. DCT’s can be found in anything from small compact passenger cars and motorcycles to hypercars like the Bugatti Veyron and even larger commercial applications.
Do DCT transmissions have a clutch pedal similar to a traditional stick shift manual?
Dual Clutch Transmissions are fully automated as opposed to manual transmissions, so there is no clutch pedal. The main difference between these and conventional automatic transmissions is that the two clutches are used in place of a torque convertor. Unlike traditional transmissions, which use singular first motion shafts, a DCT has two concentrically arranged input shafts. These inner and outer input shafts are used to control drive to either odd or even gear sets (for example 1st, 3rd, 5th, or 2nd, 4th, 6th gears).
What about the driving experience?
When driving, one gearset is engaged and delivering torque through the driveline, while the next gear ratio on the alternate set is preselected and ready for use. This preselection of ratios reduces the time required to engage the next gear and in turn, improves efficiency in the driving experience.
EXEDY offers replacement clutch kits and flywheels for the most common Direct Shift Gearboxes (DSG). Specialised tool boxes for clutch replacement are available for loan with DSG clutch kits purchases. Subject to availability, terms and conditions apply. Please visit www.exedy.com.au for further details.