Seven-speed transmission sports dual clutches

Engineers at Audi (audiusa.com) have developed the first direct-shift automatic gearbox with twin clutches for a longitudinally installed engine. It is part of the automaker's Roadjet concept car. The dual clutches use an electrohydraulic control to engage two gears at once.

When the car is running with one gear engaged the activated gear and closes the other clutch, allowing some overlap. Gear changes, therefore, take place under load, maintaining a nonstop flow of power. The control logic is said to provide instantaneous and smooth gearshifts free of jolts or shudder. Drivers can also manually shift using paddles located on the back side of the steering wheel,