According to Ward’s Auto and Automotive News, the next-generation Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution sport sedan will feature a dual clutch automatic transmission system. The Lancer Evo will go on sale in fall 2007 in Japan, and early 2008 in the United States.
The Twin Clutch SST (sport shift transmission) makes use of two clutches in place of a traditional automatic transmission’s torque converter. The result is faster, smoother gear changes, similar to those experienced with manual transmissions. There are six odd and even gears on separate input shafts, each connected to an individual clutch. This enables the next gear in series to be “pre-engaged.” The system is similar to the Volkswagen Direct Shift Gearbox system. The clutches are activated for gear shifts through electronics, either automatically or at the driver’s command.
The Twin Clutch system has three operating modes: normal, sport and s-sport. Normal is targeted for city driving, using low-speed shift points for increased comfort and fuel economy. The sport mode is intended for situations requiring engine braking. It uses higher shift points and faster shifting. And the S-Sport mode is an extension of the sport mode, but keeps the engine turning at higher revolutions.
According to the articles, the S-AWC (super all-wheel-control system) will again be available on the Evolution. The current system includes antilock brakes, an active center differential and active yaw control, which actively splits torque based on input from several accelerometers. The new AWC system has been updated to include active stability control.
Sources: Ward’s staff. (July 10, 2007). “Mitsubishi to Offer Twin Clutch Transmission on Lancer Evolution.” Ward’s Auto. Retrieved July 10, 2007 from www.wardsauto.com.
Jewett, Dale. (July 10, 2007). “New Mitsubishi to Get Dual-Clutch Transmission, Stability Control.” Automotive News. Retrieved July 10, 2007 from www.autonews.com.