Both the new Ford Focus and the new Ford Fiesta have benefited from a 10 per cent fuel economy gain thanks to one adjustment – namely a new dual dry clutch Ford PowerShift six-speed automatic transmission.
The transmission helps the vehicles deliver as much as 40mpg on the highway and consists of two manual transmissions in the same case that work in parallel, with each also having its own independent clutch unit that is controlled by computers and fast acting electromechanical actuators.
It is an automatic because the gear changes are co-ordinated by a computer. It directs the clutches to engage and disengage to provide seamless torque to the wheels.
In addition, it has a number of added features including: torque hole fill, which eliminates the slight hesitation drivers feel during acceleration; hill start assist; neutral idle, which eliminates drag; and reduced weight.
The dual clutch technology was developed when the speed of processors, memory and mechanical actuators that move gears advanced to such a degree that a manual transmission could be as smooth as an automatic. PowerShift was first launched in 2010 and since then Ford has been working on a host of new features for the technology such as a more compliant clutch damper spring design to reduce noise levels; and the SelectShift automatic feature that allows drivers to change gears by pressing a button.
