The dual-clutch transmission represents a modern evolution of the transmission assembly by SEAT. The fully-automatic, 6-speed gearbox is characterised by shifting gear without interrupting traction. As a result, the gear change is very smooth and is performed almost imperceptibly for the occupants. The direct shifting gearbox has two wet clutches which use two drive shafts to operate respectively the 1st, 3rd, 5th and reverse gears (clutch 1) or the 2nd, 4th and 6th gears (clutch 2). In a gear shift, the next gear is already preselected but not yet engaged. Within three to four hundredths of a second one clutch opens while the other closes. In this way, the gear shifts are performed imperceptibly for the driver and without any interruption in traction.
Depending on driving style, the intelligent control electronics permit fuel savings of up to 10% to be achieved compared to a 6-speed manual transmission.
With the 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, the revolutionary SEAT transmission technology is also available for smaller engines that develop torque up to 250 Newton metres. The essential difference with the 6-speed dual-clutch transmission is a new dual clutch which runs dry and no longer in an oil bath. The dry clutch has improved efficiency. The consequence is: further reduced fuel consumption and emissions, even more comfort and driving pleasure. Further development was made to details of the new DSG, components were dispensed with and the weight was able to be reduced.
