Swedish automobile manufacturer Volvo will debut the I-Shift Dual Clutch transmission on the Volvo FH trucks stating from autumn 2014
I-Shift Dual Clutch, which is the first transmission with a dual clutch system for heavy vehicles, is claimed to power-shift gear without having interruption in power delivery, torque and the speed of truck during gear changes.
The transmission features two input shafts and a dual clutch that allows two gears to be selected at the same time, wherein the clutch determines which of the gears to be active.
Volvo Group product manager drivelines Astrid Drewsen said with dual clutches, gear changes take place without any interruption in power delivery.
"As a result, engine torque is maintained and driving comfort is significantly improved," Drewsen added.
"For trucks, this gearbox will truly make a major difference to driveability.
"The heavier the transport and the tougher the operating conditions, the more you will gain with I-Shift Dual Clutch."
I-Shift Dual Clutch is said to be suitable for long haul operations and conditions requiring lot of gear changing such as traveling on hills or on roads with lots of twists and turns, or when driving through cities with plenty of roundabouts and traffic lights.
The new transmission system is also expected to have a positive impact while transporting moving or liquid cargoes such as animal transports and tanker operations, as the gear changes would prompt less movement in the cargo.