Deanh Posted July 19, 2011 Share Posted July 19, 2011 For certain, I am the only one around here that can say I drove a Ford with a DCT over 25 years ago ! It was a one off prototype in an Escort. The goals at that time were lower cost, lighter weight and better efficiency. We failed at all 3 back then. I also worked closely with the Ford engineers who were writing the software for the dry clutch Getrag up until I retired in 2007 and have talked intermittently with them since then. FACT: All DCT installed in North American Ford products use dry clutches and electric motor actuation. The advantages are lighter weight (no extra fluid or pump), lower cost and better efficiency (a pump runs all of the time; electric motor actuators only run for a short time and "borrow" energy from the battery which is replenished by the alternator). Yes, they are limited to lower torque. FACT: All DCT installed in EU Ford products have been wet clutch. hydraulic actuation, although I understand this is changing. If the dealer sales staff did not receive any training on how the customers might perceive differences between a DCT and a traditional automatic, then I think Ford dropped the ball. we did, and we were cautioned to inform customers this was NOT your regular transmission.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hugh Posted July 21, 2011 Share Posted July 21, 2011 we did, and we were cautioned to inform customers this was NOT your regular transmission.... When I purchased mine, I test drove it with Jarrett my dealer. He sold two trucks to friends of mine and he was a great guy. He quit to go work at his father's business to eventually take over the shop (Multi-million). I recommended him to my friends and enjoyed the experience. I can't recall if the extra blurb on the Powershift was out yet, I ordered mine as soon as the first ones came in. I am pretty swept up on Ford products that he would ask me questions instead of assuming he knew it all. Firstly, I don't assume he would know all the answers, the ordering he was well-versed and his estimates were top notch. Secondly, he was respectful and knew I had a clue and the purchase was actually fun and not that stressful. I think if you go to a dealer and they solicit information from you on the products, step up and share. You have a vested interest in your purchase. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ex220 Posted July 31, 2011 Share Posted July 31, 2011 I test-drove two of the Automated Manuals and thought they worked great...I try to drive like a NASCAR driver conserving fuel...act like an egg under the pedal, and they worked fine. I was also concerned about hill start, and as long as you don't sit there too long with foot off gas which is bad for any tranny, it seemed fine. Not that I have any problem on hills with a manual, but didn't want to be surprised by drift. I think it worked fine and can't wait to get my new Focus to really try it out! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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