The clever GETRAG-Ford PowerShift six-speed double-clutch transmission combines the efficiency and driving dynamics of a manual gearbox with the convenience of a conventional automatic transmission.
- PowerShift is an automated manual six-speed gearbox
- PowerShift's double-clutch engagement does not interrupt power delivery during gear changes providing smoother and more refined overall performance
- When compared to a conventional automatic transmission, PowerShift delivers improved response and acceleration
- PowerShift improves fuel efficiency by as much as 10 percent compared with a conventional automatic transmission
The PowerShift transmission is a development of GETRAG-Ford Transmissions GmbH, a 50:50 GETRAG/Ford joint venture.
GETRAG-Ford PowerShift technology is intelligent and revolutionary in its operation. To explain, the six-speed PowerShift transmission consists essentially of two layshaft transmissions working in parallel, each with its own clutch unit. The layout of the intermediate shafts – one carries the uneven gears 1, 3 and 5 whilst the other carries the even gears 2, 4 and 6 – allows the next gear to be pre-selected whilst the vehicle is in motion and the engine is at full power.
With the next gear pre-selected, the gear change occurs through the opposed activation of both clutches. The double-clutch activations are co-ordinated such that no torque interruption occurs.
In contrast to a conventional automatic transmission, the basic technical configuration of the GETRAG-Ford PowerShift transmission offers numerous advantages. It does not require any complex sub-systems such as a torque converter, planetary gear sets, multiple wet clutches and multiple bands – all of which significantly reduce the efficiency of a conventional automatic transmission due to increased inertia and drag torque effects.
The result is impressive: the PowerShift transmission provides the ease of operation and permanent motion of a conventional automatic transmission as well as the driving performance of a manual gearbox.
It also delivers quick and sporty shifts while maintaining a high degree of shift smoothness and refinement. A further advantage of the GETRAG-Ford PowerShift transmission is its high torque capacity and free choice of ratios, making it an ideal partner of modern high performance diesel engines.
The GETRAG-Ford PowerShift transmission technology is available in Europe, Australia and ASEAN markets in the new Ford Focus TDCi in combination with the 100kW, 320Nm 2.0-litre Duratorq TDCi turbodiesel engine.
In this combination, GETRAG-Ford PowerShift offers the win-win advantage of improved performance and reduced fuel consumption compared with a conventional automatic transmission. Plus, it is fun to drive.