Prototype: modded 1.0L Focus 6-spd MT: 48v hybridized, clutch by wire... 17% gain

[MetroMPG]

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.

With these components and the intelligent operating strategy, the GTC prototype not only increases fuel efficiency by 17 percent overall

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.

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.

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.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1S24SS5KNb0

[kafer65]

Wow! Nice find MetroMPG! It still retains the clutch pedal but functions like an automated manual. I'd love a bolt-on auto-start/stop system with a little electric boost/regen since we don't get that over here in Mazdas yet. It would be nice not to have to use the clutch pedal in bumper to bumper traffic as an option and still retain the third pedal usage when I want to. Very cool!

[MetroMPG]

Yeah, I thought it was a very interesting set-up.

It's only an automated manual in first gear though. You would still have to use the clutch to go through the rest of the gears.

[Xist]

Well, honestly, first is probably the most important. How easily can you stall in second or higher? How much do you use second or third in stop-and-go traffic? Thanks for sharing!

[niky]

Very interesting!

Typically, automated clutches suck, but if integrated with a mild hybrid system to minimize clutch engagement issues, I think that could be pretty cool.

[MetroMPG]

I haven't actually had the dis/pleasure of ever driving either a DSG type or robotozed manual yet.

But this thing sounded interesting enough to make me want to try.

[Frank Lee]

I have an AutoStick VW- ugh. But this has to be much better.

[Hersbird]

I don't need the clutch except to start in 1st in my Forester. Just get the feel of RPMs and let them drop on their own and shifts are as smooth as can be. Downshifts take a blip of the throttle but still possible although downshifting isn't as necessary as any time over 35 mph I'm in 5th anyway.

I would love that car, thanks for posting.

[Xist]

In my first car, I could drive without using the clutch at all. One time I wondered what happened if I held down the accelerator instead of the clutch. It started out pretty quickly, although at the time, I did not know how to shift without the clutch, which was a problem each time that my clutch went out. Then I learned.

For some reason, my transmission went out, although it had 222,000 miles.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Interesting. If it was available as a regular option for the Focus and I were on the market for one I'd seriously consider to get it.