The dual-clutch transmission that plays an important role to use new technologies to boost the U.S. automaker's fuel economy in the plan of Chrysler and Fiat is a new system from Auburn Hills-based supplier BorgWarner.
BorgWarner leads the way in the field of dual-clutch transmissions. It combines control of a manual gearbox and the fuel economy with the simple operation of an automatic. All of the earlier units of BorgWarner used a wet clutch setup. The clutch is wetted by oil, avoiding producing more friction and heat.
What Fiat is about to launch on its Alfa Romeo Mito sporty subcompact is the first dry clutch for BorgWarner. The system enable to make the whole car less expensive and lighter by dispensing with oil. Though the so-called dry-clutch gearboxes couldn’t produce as much power as the lubricated ones, they still own their advantages in small cars with their higher efficiency and lighter weight, e.g. the 160-inch-long MiTo.
Fiat’s plan in providing Chrysler with systems and platforms to manufacture mini and fuel-efficient cars (e.g. the Mito) gives Chrysler enough confidence on survival.
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