You get in the car, start the engine and drive off - without constantly changing gear. This is the comfort that a automatic transmission (automatic transmission). But what is actually behind the technology that makes driving so easy? An automatic transmission is essentially an engineering marvel. It allows the vehicle to automatically select the correct gear depending on speed and driving conditions. While with a manual transmission you choose the gear yourself, with the automatic - as the name suggests - one does this Machine.
The automatic transmission!
The heart of the automatic transmission is the Hydraulic clutch or the torque converter. The component replaces the clutch of a manual transmission and enables smooth gear changes by transferring engine power to the wheels. This usually works over a range of planetary gears, which interlock as required and thus select the desired gear. Modern automatic transmissions, especially the so-called Dual-clutch transmission, can even change gears faster than most drivers ever could manually.
They also often have a manual mode in which the driver over Shift paddles on the steering wheel or about the selector lever can change gears yourself. And a big advantage of automatic transmissions is comfort. Especially in city traffic, with frequent stopping and starting, many people appreciate the fact that they are You don't have to constantly worry about clutching and shifting. And even on long highway journeys, it can be nice to just let your feet rest and let the vehicle do the work.
Not only advantages, also disadvantages!
Of course there are also Disadvantages. In the past, automatic transmissions were often less efficient and had a higher consumption as a manual transmission. But with advances in technology, the differences have greatly reduced. In conclusion, it can be said that the automatic transmission is a great invention that has made driving a car more comfortable and easier for many. It may not be right for everyone, but for those who value convenience, it's a welcome addition.
Overview of common automatic transmissions |
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designation | Technical details/special features | Dimensions (approximate) |
GM 6L50 | 6 gears, adaptive | about 60x35x25cm |
ZF 8HP | 8 gears, versatile | about 65x40x28cm |
Ford 6R80 | 6 gears, robust | about 58x35x24cm |
Aisin AW TF-8 | 8 gears, efficient | about 62x38x26cm |
Mercedes-Benz 7G Tronic | 7 gears, quick shifting | about 63x37x27cm |
Hyundai/Kia 8-speed | 8 gears, compact | about 60x34x23cm |
GM 10L80 | 10 gears, for high-performance vehicles | about 65x40x30cm |
Allison 1000 | For heavy loads, 6 gears | about 70x45x35cm |
CVT (continuously variable) | No fixed gears, continuous adjustment | about 58x33x22cm |
DSG (dual clutch transmission) | 6-7 gears, quick shifting | about 64x39x29cm |
Tiptronic | Manual shift option, 5-8 gears | about 62x37x25cm |
SMG (Sequential M Gearbox) | 6-7 gears, sporty | about 61x36x28cm |
AMT (Automated Manual Transmission) | Manual transmission, automated | about 59x34x23cm |
IVT (Infinitely Variable Transmission) | Stepless adjustment, high efficiency | about 57x32x21cm |
GM4L60E | 4 gears, durable | about 58x35x24cm |
Aisin Seiki 6-speed | 6 gears, reliable | about 60x36x25cm |
Chrysler TorqueFlite | 8 gears, adaptive | about 64x38x27cm |
Mercedes-Benz 9G Tronic | 9 gears, efficient | about 65x39x28cm |
GM Hydra-Matic | Classic, 3-6 courses | about 62x37x26cm |
Toyota A series | 4-6 courses, proven | about 59x34x23cm |
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