Automatic transmissions are one of those masterpieces of engineering that we pretty much take for granted. They've been tweaked to near perfection over the years, and although the new dual-clutch setups are gaining traction, the standard torque converter automatic is probably going to be with us for a long time to come. See how it all works in this video from Dave's farm in Canada.
cwc1 says:
01:00 PM, 07/ 3/09
That is very interesting, and helps to give me a better understanding of automatics (a.k.a, slushboxes).
huyracing says:
08:29 PM, 07/ 3/09
Automatics are amazing. I dont see it going anywhere for its smoothness in the OEM world. In the racing world, nothing can hold as much power. Recently, even for those who like to control shifts to turn, the automatic is gaining popularity in applications like the IS-F or BMW 335i. I'm glad to see Maserati adopt them too mainly for maintenance sake, as the manual and paddle shifting automated manual both require too much costly maintenance.
mortal1 says:
10:13 PM, 07/ 3/09
The first gen dual clutch automatics were indeed costly, but that's true of any new technology. The current crop of new dual clutch transmissions are cheap enough to build and maintain that ford is putting one on the 2011 fiesta. A econobox with a dual clutch paddle shift tranny? You heard right.
mj85 says:
10:55 PM, 07/ 3/09
The traditional 4-speed automatic = the bane of my existence... or at least my daily commute. The video, however, was great.
I will be so happy when dual clutch transmissions replace traditional autoomatics. Faster acceleration AND better fuel economy? Mister, you've got yourself a deal.
firstwagon says:
03:18 PM, 07/ 4/09
"Faster acceleration AND better fuel economy? Mister, you've got yourself a deal."
Get a real manual transmission and you get an even better deal.
Add in cheaper, more reliable and more fun and you can't beat it.
nycbusop says:
03:53 PM, 07/ 5/09
firstwagon, If you live in rural America, Manual Transmissions are fine. Living in the city I'll take my DSG over a row-it-yourself anyday.
g8gtnorth says:
04:42 PM, 07/ 5/09
^That's the rub isn't it. I'd love a manual, but could I live with one in the T.? Doubtfull.
firstwagon says:
08:56 PM, 07/ 5/09
nycbusop
It's not whether you live in a rural or an urban location, it's how bad you commute is there.
8 of the 12 cars I've owned over the last 30 years have been manuals and I've always lived in big cities.
4 years ago when I bought my current car, my commute had so much stop and go I got an automatic.
I'm currently looking for work and as long as my new commute isn't really stupid (and I likely won't accept a job that has that bad a drive), my next car will be a manual... and I live in a city that's approaching 2.5 million.
ctpax says:
11:11 AM, 07/ 7/09
good man.