Definitions: Automated Manual Transmission Pros: Superior fuel economy,acceleration and responsiveness when properly tuned. Cons: Pricey;can be clumsy at low speeds and when parking autel. Summary: If you're shopping for a car and you see the term"automated manual transmission"(or sometimes"automated-clutch manual transmission"),it refers to a transmission that's mechanically similar to a stick-shift,except a computer performs the clutch work. To be clear,an automated manual transmission (AMT) doesn't have a clutch pedal;there's only an accelerator and a brake pedal,just like a regular automatic. And if you leave an AMT in D mode,it basically performs like an automatic transmission -- all you have to do is worry about when to start and when to stop. Accordingly,some AMT drivers may actually believe they're driving a traditional automatic. But there are some important differences that informed car shoppers should be aware of. For background,there are two types of AMTs: single-clutch and dual-clutch. Single-clutch AMTs are older,lurch-prone and generally unpleasant;the good news is that only the smart fortwo and some exotic sports cars use them. Dual-clutch AMTs,on the other hand,are designed to eliminate lurching,and the best units provide incredibly quick yet perfectly smooth shifts. Most AMT-equipped cars use dual-clutch technology. AMTs also tend to yield better fuel economy and acceleration than regular automatics. The reason is that AMTs are more efficient;that is,they allow more of the engine's energy to flow directly to the wheels. For the same reason,stick-shifts have historically edged automatics in both categories. The magic of the AMT lies in its ability to combine the fuel economy and performance of a true manual with the everyday convenience of an automatic. AMT downsides are few but notable. First,the technology is complex,so you'll pay more up front -- and if the transmission goes bad out of warranty,you could be on the hook for an expensive repair bill MD701. Also,engineers haven't quite worked out low-speed AMT behavior yet,so when you're nosing the car into a parking space,for example,you'll likely notice a"slip-and-surge"effect that's like being in a stick-shift car with a teenager learning to drive. But overall,the AMT is a clear victory for automotive progress. We expect this transmission type to become increasingly popular as costs come down and consumers embrace its numerous advantages. What it means to you: A thorough test drive is in order if you're considering an AMT-equipped vehicle,as transmission behavior can vary widely among automakers. But given the AMT's considerable upside,we encourage you to consider adopting this technology in your next car.
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