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BMW is launching a refreshed version of its mainstream 3-Series sedan this fall with tweaked front and rear styling. On the mechanical side, we already know about the coming 3.0L dual turbo diesel for the U.S. market. One other change that’s coming is the addition of a 7-speed dual clutch transmission. The sports automatic transmissions, as BMW calls them, debuted on the M3 earlier this year and now join the 335i Coupe and Convertible models. The automated shifting of the DCT provides a slight 0.1 second improvement in 0-62 mph acceleration while also providing a five percent reduction in fuel consumption compared to the previous 6-speed automatic. The convertible now has a combined rating of 25.8 mpg (U.S.) while the coupe is up to 26.7 mpg (U.S.). Now, if they would just offer up the DCT with the new diesel, we’d have a killer combination.

[Source: BMW]

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The unfortunate reality for Chrysler in North America is that aside from the new Ram, the Wrangler and the minivans, few of its products are considered desirable alternatives in their segments. At least part of that is due to what many consider - rightly or wrongly - to be outdated powertrains. That impression certainly won’t be helped by this latest release from Chrysler. When the Dodge Journey was launched in the European market this summer, it was offered with both a 2.0L turbodiesel engine and an optional 6-speed Getrag dual clutch transmission. Here in the home market we only have the option of four and six cylinder gas engines with automatic transmissions that have four and six ratios respectively.

To make matters worse, the Sebring and Avenger which were already available overseas with the diesel engine now also offer the dual clutch gearbox. The DCT uses a pair of wet clutches that are coupled to alternating ratios, one handling 1,3, 5 and the other taking care of 2,4 and 6. The electronic controls offer quick, seamless automatic shifting and a six percent reduction in fuel consumption than the four speed automatic. Over here we’re going to have to wait until 2010 to get DCT’s in Chryslers to go along with the new Phoenix engines. I’m generally a manual transmission kind of guy, but my experience with VW’s DSG has convinced me that DCTs can be OK. How come the Europeans get so much of the good stuff first?

[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading Chrysler expands dual clutch transmissions, we still can’t get one

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