My expertise in automated manual transmissions (AMTs) and dual-clutch transmissions (DCTs) comes from many years of experience in researching and writing about these transmissions for a wide variety of automotive clients. Welcome to my deep dive into these two types of transmissions!
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Compared to the better-known fully automatic transmission, which uses a torque converter to shift smoothly with no power interruption, an AMT is simply a manual transmission that eliminates the need for a clutch pedal and can, in some AMTs, shift itself. We rarely see AMTs in the U.S. largely because we have become used to the Detroit-style smooth shifting of a torque converter automatic and are willing to pay a bit extra for it.
AMTs have been used in cars for over 80 years, with examples like the 1942 Hudson offering semi-automatic shifting. AMTs are now found at both the bottom and the top of the market. For inexpensive cars where every penny counts, an AMT is a less expensive option compared to a fully automatic transmission, although shifts can be jerky. AMTs are currently the most common type of automatic transmission used in India. Some fairly recent examples of entry-level cars that use an AMT are the second-generation Smart Fortwo (which has many hidden features), the Citroën C3 SensoDrive, and the Maruti Suzuki S-Presso. At the top end, some exotic sports cars use AMTs to partially automate their shifting capabilities. Two exotics that have used AMTs are the Lamborghini Aventador and the Pagani Huayra BC.
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AMTs have some shortcomings that should be noted. Because they are really mechanically actuated manual transmissions, AMTs do not have the ability to
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