Trucks Get Dual Clutch Transmissions
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By Keith Barry
- August 2, 2010 |
- 10:00 am |
- Categories: Performance
Drivers of Mitsubishi Fuso box trucks will soon be able to get their hands on the same transmission technology found in the Evo X — not to mention the Bugatti Veyron.
Daimler, Mitsubishi Fuso’s parent company, announced last week that they’d soon be offering a dual clutch transmission (DCT) on their line of commercial trucks — the first time the technology has ever been available on a truck. Known as Duonic, it’s a wet clutch design with six forward gears and one reverse. Like all DCTs, odd and even gears are handled by separate clutches.
“As with a fully automatic transmission it is a two-pedal system, there is an accelerator pedal, a brake pedal and a selector lever,” said Daimler. “The selector lever allows automatic or manual gearshift mode to be selected.”
In addition to letting office supply delivery drivers enjoy lightning-fast downshifts, the Duonic claims lower maintenance costs for transmission repair and a “creep function” that makes it easier to maneuver at low speeds and climb hills. Like automotive DCTs, we also suspect that a Duonic-equipped truck’s fuel consumption will be lower than a standard automatic.
Photo: Daimler
