In the past, dual clutch transmissions (DCT) were usually reserved for high-end sports cars and technologic wonders. But recently, vehicles such as the Ford Focus and Hyundai Veloster are bringing the intriguing design to the masses with the idea of improved efficiency in mind. On paper, having a clutch always ready with the next gear should mean an engine will always been working instead of ‘stalling’ between shifts and for that reason, Chrysler LLC made plans to debut their very own DCT in their upcoming small and midsize models. Something changed however and the DCT’s originally slated debut has been pushed back due to a strange feeling.
According to Chrysler Spokesperson, Kathy Graham speaking to The Car Connection, in testing the DCT “feels differently than what consumers are used to in the United States.” The transmission was supposed to be first felt in the 2012 Dodge Avenger and Chrysler 200, but they’re rolling into showroom floors with a conventional six speed automatic. During development, Chrysler felt that its U.S. customers would find the DCT’s operation strange which would outweigh any improvements in fuel economy. Sergio Marchionne, CEO of Fiat and Chrysler has been adamant that U.S.-bound products be as perfect as possible, and the DCT isn’t there just yet.
Source: The Car Connection
