Auto components suppliers Continental and Schaeffler modded a manual transmission 1.0L Focus in a way that's really interesting (to me, lover of manuals).
The package of mods:
- adapted injection and engine control units
- 48 Volt mild hybridization (belt starter/generator connected to engine)
- electronic clutch (e-clutch)
- measures to reduce friction loss in the engine
- electrically heatable catalytic converter
There's some other stuff in there, but they don't really explain it in detail.
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With these components and the intelligent operating strategy, the GTC prototype not only increases fuel efficiency by 17 percent overall
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Source:
Continental Corporation*-Continental and Schaeffler Present Innovative Mild Hybrid
To me, one of the most interesting parts is the way they did electronic control of the clutch to enable automated engine-off gliding. That's pretty straightforward: let of the accelerator in the right conditions and it de-clutches, kills the ICE, and down the road you go. Press the gas again, and the clutch engages while the motor/generator spins up the ICE.
But because the clutch is automated, it offers some other interesting driving modes, like doing stop 'n' go traffic without having to use the clutch pedal.
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Since the car can open and close the clutch on its own you can completely stop the vehicle without clutching; you can also take off without using the pedal, quite an unusual experience while driving.
This functionality means you could slog through rush-hour traffic without having to constantly pump the third pedal; the car will creep on its own. In addition to this, you can take off from a stop without using the clutch. You can even dump the clutch and it will still connect smoothly without stalling the engine, which is great for beginners who are just learning the idiosyncrasies of a manual transmission.
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Source:
Driving Continental's modified Focus mild hybrid
Could this also be a way to get more people (North Americans) back into manuals?
Probably not. Still requires that brain cells be aware of gear changes, etc.