Volvo is now offering a Getrag Powershift dual clutch transmission in its smaller cars - the C30, S40 and V50. The new gearbox is paired up with a 2.0L four cylinder turbodiesel. Volvo is using a six-speed wet clutch unit with a torque capacity of 332lb-ft. The diesel engine is rated at 136hp and 236lb-ft of torque and yields combined mileage ratings of 39.2mpg (U.S.) in the C30 and 39.9mpg in the sedan and wagon models. Those are improvements of about 8 percent in comparison to a conventional automatic transmission. The dual clutch transmission has an advantage over conventional automatics because it eliminates the losses inherent in a torque converter and provides greater flexibility in gear ratio selection. Compared to a conventional manual transmission, the faster shifts and electronic control provide efficiency increases as well. Unfortunately for American drivers, we can't get the diesel here (yet) but we will be getting the Powershift gearboxes in the not too distant future, perhaps in conjunction with the launch of the Fiesta.

[Source: Volvo]

The burgeoning interest in dual clutch gearboxes should be big business for Getrag over the next few years. Because a dual clutch transmission (DCT) combines the greater efficiency of a manual with full automatic shift capability they are being installed in more vehicles all the time. The first widespread use of DCTs was on Volkswagen and Audi models in the last few years with their Borg-Warner-built DSG units.

For 2008, Volvo is adding a DCT to the S40 and V50 while Ford is also adding one to the Focus equipped with a new 2.0L turbodiesel. Chrysler is also installing a DCT in European-spec models of the new Dodge Journey CUV. By 2010 Getrag expects to sell 500,000 DCTs a year growing to 2 million by 2014. That doesn't include the 700,000 units that will come from the Chrysler-Getrag joint venture starting in 2009.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. req'd]