Quote:
Originally Posted by ShadeTreeMech
Something I've always wondered about is why couldn't a manual clutch be fitted to an automatic transmission? You'd have to use the clutch as in a manual car, but the shifts would be automatic and you could take advantage of the better ratios. What energy losses are there in the auto other than having to pump the fluid?
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Actually, you want it the other way, a manual transmission with an automatic clutch. People who can't/won't use a clutch, don't, and they're not about to learn. Lots of people don't mind shifting, however. Rambler offered that combination with its e-stick 50 years ago. The Ford tranny Nevyn describes sounds like it may be the ticket.
There's no advantage to your suggestion, AFAIK. It's simple to swap gear ratios in a manual transmission, and people who won't/can't use a clutch, won't.
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Darrell
Boycotting Exxon since 1989, BP since 2010
Have you ever noticed that anybody driving slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac? George Carlin
Mean Green Toaster Machine
49.5 mpg avg over 53,000 miles. 176% of '08 EPA
Best flat drive 94.5 mpg for 10.1 mi
Longest tank 1033 km (642 mi) on 10.56 gal = 60.8 mpg
