By Dr Long
Much has been said and anticipated about the all-new Lancer Evolution X�s 6-speed robotised manual gearbox. Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) has finally confirmed its application and named it Twin Clutch SST. For those of you familiar with VW Golf GTI's DSG gearbox or Audi's S-Tronic automated manual transmission, Mitsubishi�s version is not much different with twin clutches set in odd- and even-numbered gears i.e. 1,3,5 and 2,4,6 respectively. For those who are still confused, just think of an automated manual transmission that allows drivers to choose between fully automated and manual gear changes � but it�s neither a regular torque converter nor a CVT.
The beauty of it all is that dual-clutch gearboxes permit drivers of varied skills to shift rapidly through the gears (without the need to step on a clutch pedal) faster than any regular manual gearbox, and of course, faster than any semi-automatic torque converter �box as well. Mitsubishi�s SST lets the driver to switch between three shifting programs - Normal, Sport and S-Sport - covering the full range of driving situations, from town use to sporty motoring on open roads.
Other advantages include transmission efficiencies on par with a normal manual gearbox with the convenience of a fully automatic transmission, as desired in congested traffic conditions. In short, Twin Clutch SST delivers satisfyingly quick acceleration and driving convenience, yet returns superior mileage to the tankful, thanks to its high-efficiency power transmission mechanism.
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Here are a few images of the new Lancer Prototype-S, which previews the forthcoming Lancer Ralliart Sportback (5door liftback). This sports hatch is rumoured to be mainly for the European market where it is slated to go head-on with the new Subaru Impreza WRX.
It is also expected to mechanically similar to the Lancer Ralliart sedan, as such is powered with a detuned version of the EVO X�s 2.0L Mivec Turbo engine, good for 'only' 240ps and 343Nm of torque. Torque is being driven via MMC's Twin Clutch SST gearbox down to a full-time 4WD (S-AWC) among other things.
