Yes, you read that correctly. Both our long-term 2008 Mitsubishi Evo X and 2009 Nissan GT-R have dual-clutch manual gearboxes, but there are subtle differences that make the Evo X's TC-SST more versatile and driver-oriented than the GT-R's DCT.
One- click the paddles in quick succession to drop two (or three) gears, and the Evo "remembers" to give you the second (or third) downshift. The GT-R ignores any additional paddle-clicks until it's done with the first gearchange you requested.
Two- manual gearchanges in the Evo can be commanded via the paddles OR the console selector. The GT-R' s console selector has no manual "gate" at all. I switch between the Evo's paddles and selector depending on the driving conditions.
Three- If you're in auto mode, both the Evo and the GT-R will switch into manual mode simply by flicking a paddle. The difference, though, is that this single paddle-flick in the Evo will give you a gearchange, whereas in the GT-R it simply gives you manual mode. To get the gearchange you were looking for in the first place, you have to hit the GT-R's paddle a second time.
Four- When switching back into auto mode, you can simply by holding the Evo's right-hand paddle for a second, or just wait and it will "timeout" and return to auto mode. The GT-R requires you take your hand off the wheel to slap the spring-loaded console lever--it will never "timeout" and revert to auto mode on its own.
Jason Kavanagh, Engineering Editor @ 3,050 miles.
felonious says:
04:26 PM, 09/ 2/08
I was skeptical when I began reading, but you've convinced me. That first point is a huge one, I can't believe the GT-R doesn't do that! That's almost a crime.
norsairius says:
04:33 PM, 09/ 2/08
small details, but I'd have to agree.
I'm definitely a Nissan fanboy, especially when it comes to their sports cars, but I really would have to agree.
you can make the major functions work correctly (and very well), but unless you include those small details, their absence will be just that much more noticeable when someone else does it.
rocklah says:
06:06 PM, 09/ 2/08
Sounds like mitsubishi did a great job of reverse engineering VW DSG system.
sabastian says:
07:07 PM, 09/ 2/08
Jason, how does it compare with Vee Dub's DSG?
subytrojan says:
07:50 AM, 09/ 3/08
Great post, Jay! The Evo's tranny definitely seems "better" based on the points you listed.