Gearboxes: Manual or Automatic?

[EnI]

Is DCT an automatic, or not?

[Betty Swollocks]

Originally Posted by EnI

Is DCT an automatic, or not?

No.

[Giannis]

Originally Posted by EnI

Is DCT an automatic, or not?

In my book, everything that has no clutch pedal is an automatic.

It can have as many clutches as you can think of, or as many computer operated gears as you want, but if you don't operate the clutch with your foot, it's kind of worthless.

[klier]

Originally Posted by Betty Swollocks

No.

And yes. It will shift automatically for you if you want, and there is no clutch. That's as automatic as it can be

[Betty Swollocks]

Originally Posted by klier

And yes. It will shift automatically for you if you want, and there is no clutch. That's as automatic as it can be

You can all you like, but you're wrong. In the UK for example, if you have an auto only license then you are not entitled to drive a DCT or SMG gearbox.

Also, ENI in this case knows full well that when we were talking about 'auto' boxes we were meaning conventional torque convertor automatics.

[NarutoRamen]

Originally Posted by Betty Swollocks

You can all you like, but you're wrong. In the UK for example, if you have an auto only license then you are not entitled to drive a DCT or SMG gearbox.

Wow, really? That's just BS.

[martinbo]

^ No it's not. A fundamental knowledge of how a manual gearbox operates is required to properly operate a DCT or SMG gearbox across its entire operating range.

A torque convertor auto gearbox operates in a different way to a geared transmission, for example:
- a torque convertor is easier to use and more tolerant on steep hill starts.
- most torque convertor 'boxes will upshift at maximum revs, a DCT/SMG box in manual mode won't.
- DCT/SMG boxes require the driver to anticipate a corner and shift down - like you would in a manual - in manual mode. This is not required in a pure auto.

It's correct, having a torque-convertor license alone does not equip such drivers with the necessary skills to safely operate all the features of an automated manual gearbox.

[braaf]

^Huh? What if you just stick it in auto mode (DSG, SMG) to negotiate corners and hills.

[coolraoul]

Originally Posted by Betty Swollocks

You can all you like, but you're wrong. In the UK for example, if you have an auto only license then you are not entitled to drive a DCT or SMG gearbox.

Also, ENI in this case knows full well that when we were talking about 'auto' boxes we were meaning conventional torque convertor automatics.

It's stupid! And is the client suposed to recognize the DCT with the looks of the gearlever, or is it mandatory for the dealer to be aware of the fact this model has an torque converter and this one a DSG?

I don't see the difference between entering your auto Golf IV and putting on D, and entering your DSG Golf V and outting in D. I eve'd say it"s harder to drive the auto, 'cause it rolls by itself as soon as the brakes are released.

Only in hard driving (shifting manually while cornering for instance) is there a real difference... But then the guy should either know how to drive, or see his licence retired.

100.000€ question: what about Mercedes' MCT? Is it an auto (no torque converter!!) or a DCT (planetary gears)?

[klier]

Originally Posted by Betty Swollocks

You can all you like, but you're wrong. In the UK for example, if you have an auto only license then you are not entitled to drive a DCT or SMG gearbox.

I'm not wrong. Just because you are not allowed by retarded UK rules to drive DCT if you only have a licence for automatics doesn't mean a DCT gearbox is a manual transmission. You can shift manually, and the box basicly is an automated manual, so the answer is yes AND no.
A car without a clutch is not a manual car. Simple as that.