Dual-Clutch Transmissions Falling Out Of Favor As Lower Cost Alternatives Improve

Not so long ago, dual-clutch transmissions -- with their superior fuel economy and lightning-quick gear shifts -- were widely viewed as the Next Big Thing.

Automakers were counting on those gearboxes to improve fuel economy ratings 6 to 10 percent without compromising performance.

Not anymore.

After Volkswagen introduced dual- clutch transmissions in 2003, several mass-market automakers followed suit, only to encounter quality bugs and consumer complaints.

MDarringer - 12/7/2015 9:26:45 PM

+1 Boost

Dual clutch transmissions also tend to be UNSMOOTH.

dstampfer - 12/8/2015 7:30:40 AM

+2 Boost

I really like my 7sp DCT-- 2011 E90 M3. Yes it's not as smooth as an automatic, but it's pretty close unless you have it in the most aggressive settings.

MDarringer - 12/8/2015 9:22:15 PM

+1 Boost

and you agreed with me LOL

iamdabest1 - 12/10/2015 12:11:34 AM

+1 Boost

I'm definitely in the minority when i say this, i actually loved the SMG in the e46 m3 because it was jerky and rough especially in low speeds in the city. it made the car feel like it had a manual without a clutch.
all these DCT, PDK, DSG transmissions are kinda jerky, but still feel TOO much like an automatic. it almost makes me want to get a manual transmission .. then i think of NYC traffic.