The Best Of Both Worlds: Cars With Dual-Transmission Options
Modern vehicles typically come in two transmission types: automatic or manual. In a manual transmission, the driver is responsible for shifting the gears, while in an automatic transmission, the car does the shifting for you. While most cars have one or the other, some cars do offer both manual and automatic transmission options. These are sometimes called tiptronic or manumatic.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cars with both manual and automatic transmission | Volkswagen Lupo 3L, Maserati DuoSelect, BMW SMG, BMW E36 M3, BMW E46 M3, BMW E60 M5, BMW E63 M6, Toyota MR2, Ferrari Mondial T, Ferrari F355 |
| Common names | Semi-automatic transmission, clutchless manual transmission, automated manual transmission, trigger shift, flappy-paddle gear shift, paddle-shift gearbox |
| Pros of semi-automatic transmission | No need to press a clutch pedal, facilitates manual gear changes, more control over RPM |
| Cons of semi-automatic transmission | Clunky transmission, not reliable, expensive |
| Pros of automatic transmission | Less stress, higher resale value, widely available, good for beginners, easier to maneuver in traffic |
| Cons of automatic transmission | Higher purchase price, higher repair costs, less fuel efficient |
| Pros of manual transmission | Lower purchase price, feeling of being in control, fuel efficient, superior acceleration, less expensive to service |
| Cons of manual transmission | Requires practice to learn, extensive driver input required, coordination of clutch, gas and shifting |
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What You’ll Learn
- Volkswagen Lupo 3L: A prototype with a manual transmission operated by a hydraulic robot
- Semi-automatic transmission: A clutchless manual transmission that facilitates manual gear changes without a clutch pedal
- Maserati DuoSelect: A nervous-teenager-like driving experience, according to some
- Dual-clutch transmission: A modern alternative to the traditional hydraulic automatic transmission
- Automatic transmissions that appear manual: Older cars with tiptronic and newer trucks with manual shifting
Volkswagen Lupo 3L: A prototype with a manual transmission operated by a hydraulic robot
The Volkswagen Lupo 3L is a prototype car made with the aim of minimising fuel consumption. It is equipped with a manual transmission operated by a hydraulic robot, which allows the car to be driven in automatic mode while also accommodating manual gear shifts. This transmission system is known as a “tiptronic” or “manumatic” gearbox.
The Lupo 3L was designed and developed by Volkswagen to be the world’s first 3-liter car, achieving a fuel consumption of 3 litres per 100 km. This feat was accomplished through extensive redesign and the use of lightweight materials, making the vehicle 150 kg lighter than the standard Lupo. The car’s key technologies include a 1.2L 3-cylinder diesel engine, electronic manual transmission, improved aerodynamics, and the extensive use of aluminium and magnesium alloys to reduce weight.
The hydraulic robot in the Lupo 3L’s transmission system acts as a robotised clutch and gear selector, facilitating shifts and enabling the car to be driven in automatic mode. This feature is similar to the SMG (Sequential Manual Gearbox) found in some BMW vehicles, which allows for both automatic and manual gear shifts. However, the hydraulic robot in the Lupo 3L has been described as slow and prone to failure, making it the only car known to utilise this specific variant of transmission.
While the concept of combining manual and automatic transmission in a single vehicle is intriguing, it has not seen widespread adoption in production cars. This can be attributed to the complexity and high cost associated with implementing such a system, as well as the mixed reviews received by similar attempts, such as the Maserati DuoSelect, which was eventually discontinued.
Despite the Volkswagen Lupo 3L’s innovative transmission system, it faced technical challenges, including issues with the gearbox and hydraulic components. These problems are evident in online forums where owners of the Lupo 3L seek assistance with fault codes, hydraulic system issues, and gearbox settings.
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Semi-automatic transmission: A clutchless manual transmission that facilitates manual gear changes without a clutch pedal
While there are some cars that offer both manual and automatic transmission, semi-automatic transmission is a different system. It is also known as a clutchless manual transmission, where the driver can change gears manually without using a clutch pedal. This is achieved through electronic sensors, pneumatics, processors, and actuators that execute gear shifts based on input from the driver or a computer. The clutch is actuated by electronic equipment, which synchronises the timing and torque required for smooth gear shifts. This removes the need for a clutch pedal, which is typically required in manual transmissions.
Semi-automatic transmissions first appeared in automobiles in the 1930s and were offered by several American car manufacturers. They are less common than traditional hydraulic automatic transmissions but have been available on various car and motorcycle models throughout the years. One example is the Volkswagen Automatic Stickshift, introduced in 1968, which combined a conventional three-speed manual transmission with a vacuum-operated automatic clutch system. Another example is the Citroën DS, introduced in 1955, which used a hydraulic system to select gears and operate the clutch, allowing for clutchless shifting.
In addition to clutchless manual transmission, semi-automatic transmission is also known by other names such as auto-manual, auto-clutch manual, and paddle-shift transmission. These systems operate the clutch system automatically, typically through switches or servos, while still requiring the driver to manually shift gears. This is in contrast to a preselector gearbox, where the driver selects the gear ratio and operates the pedal, but the gear change is performed automatically.
While semi-automatic transmissions do not provide fully automatic gear changes, they offer a unique driving experience by facilitating manual gear changes without the need for a clutch pedal. This type of transmission is designed to enhance driving performance, especially during fast overtaking manoeuvres on highways.
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Maserati DuoSelect: A nervous-teenager-like driving experience, according to some
In 2004, Maserati introduced the DuoSelect, a transmission system that combined manual and automatic transmission. However, by 2008, the company had abandoned this system and returned to using fully automatic ZF boxes. The DuoSelect was criticized for providing a driving experience akin to that of a nervous teenager with no limb control attempting to drive a manual car for the first time.
Some users, however, disagreed with this assessment, stating that the DuoSelect was not that bad to drive. They offered advice on how to drive the DuoSelect, suggesting that one simply needs to lift off the accelerator when feeling a gear shift approaching. Despite this, the DuoSelect was not well-received by customers, leading to Maserati’s decision to discontinue it.
The Maserati DuoSelect’s mixed reception highlights the challenges of combining manual and automatic transmission in a single vehicle. While the idea of having the option to switch between manual and automatic driving appeals to some drivers, the execution can be tricky. The Volkswagen Lupo 3L, a prototype car designed for maximum fuel efficiency, is another example of a car that combined manual and automatic transmission. However, it suffered from slow speed and frequent failures, demonstrating the difficulties in creating a seamless blend of the two transmission types.
Some newer, sportier cars offer the ability to swap between automatic and manual modes, catering to drivers who want the convenience of automatic transmission for casual driving and the control of manual transmission when desired. Semi-automatic transmissions, or clutchless manual transmissions, are another variation that dispenses with the need for a clutch pedal while still allowing manual gear changes. However, these systems have also faced criticism for being clunky and unreliable, especially at low speeds.
Ultimately, the Maserati DuoSelect’s nervous-teenager-like driving experience, as described by some, resulted from the challenges of combining manual and automatic transmission in a way that provides a smooth and intuitive driving experience. While some drivers may appreciate the flexibility of having both transmission types in one car, others may find the execution falls short of expectations, leading to a bumpy ride.
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