Ford to launch the six speed dual clutch automatic gearbox across B-Car platform cars like the EcoSport, Fiesta and B-Max

Earlier this year, Ford India launched the six speed PowerShift dual clutch automatic gearbox on the all new Fiesta sedan. This gearbox is a class leader when it comes to both performance as well as fuel economy. In fact, the PowerShift automatic gearbox enabled Fiesta petrol sedan is marginally more fuel efficient than the manual gearbox model, which goes on to show how much automatic transmissions have evolved, from being a less fuel efficient, power sapping alternative to manual gearboxes to a high performance, high mileage and maintenance free option.

2013 Ford Fiesta Hatchback Facelift used as an illustration

The PowerShift automatic gearbox manages to do all this and then some more. Ford will introduce this very gearbox across its B-Car platform, which comprises of cars like the Fiesta hatchback, the Fiesta sedan, the EcoSport crossover and the B-Max MPV. Ford’s B-Car platform underpins a range of hatchbacks, sedans and crossovers under the One-Ford philosophy, and has been a highly successful platform for Ford with cars based on this platform going on to become best sellers across the world. Dual clutch automatic gearboxes are now increasingly becoming common place in mass market cars.

Ford 6 speed PowerShift Dual Clutch Automatic Gearbox

These automatic gearboxes use two sets of clutch plates to shift alternate gears, reducing shift times and improving fuel efficiency. They are also lighter than traditional single clutch torque converters. For instance, the PowerShift dual clutch automatic gearbox is a full 16 kilograms lighter than the older 4 speed single clutch automatic unit. Meanwhile, here is an overview of the various features that the Ford PowerShift dual clutch automatic gearbox brings to the equation,

* Creep function

* Hill hold

* Lifetime maintenance free

* Faster gear shifts

* Higher fuel economy

* Lighter weight

Ford 6 speed PowerShift Dual Clutch Automatic Gearbox

Given that the Ford EcoSport crossover is anticipated to launch in India during early 2013, the crossover could get the PowerShift automatic gearbox transmitting power and torque of the 1 Liter EcoBoost turbo petrol engine. This will make the EcoSport the second car in India, after the all new Ford Fiesta sedan to get this gearbox. The Indian car market is steadily seeing a rise in car launches with automatic gearboxes even as buyers are demanding the comfort and convenience of an automatic gearbox. Even as fuel prices rise further, frugal options like Ford’s PowerShift dual clutch automatic gearbox, are expected to become more popular.

Source AutocarUK