Dual-clutch gearboxes have many problems, so why do domestic cars still choose them?
Anyone who pays attention to the automotive industry knows that new domestic cars launched in recent years tend to use dual-clutch gearboxes. , including Xingtu-TX, Geely Binyue, Haval F7X, Lynk & Co 03, Pentium T77 and other more popular models. When talking about cars, we often hear people say that AT and CVT gearboxes are good, but very few people praise dual-clutch gearboxes (except Porsche owners). Since dual-clutch gearboxes are not very optimistic, even among consumers It left a shadow in my heart, why is it still favored by independent brands?
Avoid patent issues
The biggest pain point for independent brands to prefer dual-clutch gearboxes is the patent issue. Although AT gearboxes and CVT gearboxes have a long history, A large number of patents have also been applied for by foreign companies. The well-known ZF (ZF), JATCO (Jetco), and AISIN (Aisin) are all giants in the field of transmissions. How easy is it to break through their technical barriers? This is a bit like Toyota's hybrid technology patent, which is enough to make latecomers miserable. The development of dual-clutch gearboxes by independent brands was not only due to being "forced", but also affected by the establishment of a subsidiary between BorgWarner and China Development Alliance Investment Co., Ltd. in 2008. The members of China Development Alliance are Geely, FAW, and Dongfeng , Great Wall, Chery, JAC and other car companies; with the help of BorgWarner, participating car companies can develop their own dual-clutch gearboxes through the technology platform. Therefore, we can see that many domestically produced cars mention the word "BorgWarner" when promoting dual-clutch gearboxes.
The production cost and R&D difficulty are low
When they hear the name of a dual-clutch gearbox, many people will definitely think that its production cost and R&D difficulty are very high, but this is not the case. From the main structure point of view, the dual-clutch transmission is actually more similar to the manual transmission, except that it has a dual-clutch module, a shift module, an automatic transmission control unit, etc. Therefore, if the car company has already established a foundation in the field of manual transmission, it will undoubtedly be more beneficial to the research and development of dual-clutch transmission. In contrast, the planetary gears and hydraulic torque converter of AT transmission are not at all not simple. From another perspective, if an independent brand wants to enter the field of AT and CVT transmissions on a large scale, in addition to investing a lot of R&D funds and introducing equipment, it will also be difficult to avoid patent conflicts with foreign companies. The gearbox also has to hand over part of the money to others. Will this cost be low? Therefore, independent car companies can either directly develop dual-clutch gearboxes themselves to achieve self-sufficiency, or directly use gearboxes provided by brands such as Aisin.
Dual-clutch gearboxes have obvious advantages
In addition, domestic cars favor dual-clutch gearboxes because they have advantages that AT and CVT gearboxes do not have:
1. The dual-clutch gearbox is smaller in size. For ordinary family cars, while the body size remains unchanged, the smaller the engine and gearbox occupy, the larger the space and layout of the passenger compartment will be. Can be more flexible.
2. The gear shifting speed is fast. The dual-clutch gearbox has two sets of clutches that work alternately to control odd and even gears respectively, which can achieve quick gear shifting. This is also the reason why dual-clutch gearboxes are widely installed on racing cars and sports cars. box reasons.
3. The transmission efficiency is high, because the dual-clutch gearbox does not have a hydraulic torque converter and does not use a steel belt transmission like a CVT, so it can achieve more direct shifting and less power loss. Fuel economy is improved.
The development of dual-clutch gearboxes has the opportunity to "overtake in corners"
In the eyes of some people, dual-clutch gearboxes are synonymous with "frustration" and "many problems". Early Volkswagen's The DSG gearbox has indeed left a shadow on some car owners, but with the advancement of technology, the performance of today's wet dual-clutch gearbox has stabilized. Furthermore, it is precisely because the dual-clutch gearbox is imperfect and relatively small that it has the opportunity to "overtake in corners." This is a bit like the efforts of independent brands in the field of new energy vehicles. "I have what others have, and I have what others have." There is still a certain wisdom and truth in "the best and the best in others."
Conclusion
Considering the good reputation of AT gearboxes, some independent brands have invested in Aisin, such as Changan and Trumpchi. Compared with the 7-speed dual-clutch transmission box, Aisin 6AT will still have more fans.
But no matter what, the determination of independent brands to seek breakthroughs is still worthy of recognition. We look forward to seeing dual-clutch gearboxes with better performance in domestic cars in the future.