A dual-clutch transmission uses separate clutches for which gear sets?
Answer
Odd and even gears
A dual-clutch transmission uses separate clutches for odd and even gears. One clutch operates the odd-numbered gear set, while the other operates the even-numbered set.
This arrangement effectively packages two manual-style gearboxes into one transmission. While the car is driving in one gear, the next likely gear can be preselected on the other shaft. During a shift, one clutch disengages as the other engages, allowing power delivery to continue with very little interruption.
For example, a six-speed dual-clutch transmission may use one clutch for first, third, and fifth gears and the other for second, fourth, and sixth. Reverse is assigned according to the particular transmission’s internal design and does not define the basic odd/even principle.
Dual-clutch transmissions differ from conventional hydraulic automatics, which generally use a torque converter and planetary gearsets. Their quick shifts and efficient power transfer made them popular in performance cars and later in ordinary production vehicles. They are also sold under names such as Volkswagen’s DSG and Porsche’s PDK.