Americans don’t quite share the love affair with dual clutch transmissions like the rest of the world does. The function and feeling associated with them have never been truly accepted by the general buying public.
However, Tremec has announced its new TR-9007 DCT, and it could mean a new option for General Motors. Even though Ford and General Motors have recently finished development of their own ten-speed automatic, a dual-clutch transmission offers benefits of its own.
It’s fast, accurate, and has been developed exclusively with performance and fuel efficiency in mind. Tremec states the seven-speed DCT can handle up to 664 lb-ft of torque and supports a maximum of 10,000 RPM. Meanwhile, the gear ratio spread sits at 5.6, geared towards (pun intended) performance.
Even though this is the official announcement, this isn’t the first we’ve heard of this gearbox. In fact, this seven-speed DCT was reportedly in development alongside the often-rumored, mid-engine Corvette.
The initial report mimics these official specifications, too, surrounding its application in a mid-engine Corvette. Better yet, Tremec tapped its now wholly owned Hoerbiger Drivetrain Mechatronics to oversee development of this transmission. If you’re not familiar, HDM has been responsible for the units found in AMG, Ferrari and McLaren vehicles.
So, right now, we can look to the mid-engine Corvette to debut this ‘box, knowing GM has plans to fit its ten-speed automatic into more of its trucks and SUVs. The curious portion is where GM could plop this seven-speed in with all-wheel drive vehicles. The 2018 Buick Regal GS comes to mind …
Comments
Fantastic, maybe now we can start getting some AWD performance GM products!
Personally, I love the 7 speed DCT in my wife’s Mercedes GLA250. It has the sporty feel of a manual with the convenience of an auto.
Be awesome if this gets the aftermarket support the sticks get. Love to mate this to a 383 Stroker.
Z28 anyone?
Absolutely!
Except for the minor fact that this isn’t oriented properly for a Mid-engine car? Am I missing something there?
I think DCTs haven’t taken off in the US because they’re stuck on entry level econoboxes. I’ve never heard someone complain about say, the one on the Porsche Panamera.
In fact I love DCTs and would gladly take a car that had one, but none in my market do.
doesn’t anyone know how to drive manual anymore?
That has nothing to do with it. There are still a hundred million automobiles floating around that are stick. The fact is manuals just aren’t offered as much with the advancement of automatics. Modern automatics shift faster than a manual, you’ll never miss a shift, and with paddle shifters you can pick your gear like a stick. The only advantage left of a manual is that it’s usually lighter.
I could say about the same thing about a dual clutch. More efficiency, and lighter weight than an automatic, with faster or equal shift times.
I dream of the death of the torque converter!
Sure do. Can’t do it nearly as quickly or smoothly as a DCT and neither can you. There’s a reason they are used by Mercedes, Porsche, Lamborghini and others.
The C8 isn’t getting this. Its getting the 10 speed.