Tata Motors recently launched the much-awaited Altroz DCA (dual-clutch automatic). The Altroz DCA is the one and an only automatic variant available on the Tata Altroz and is paired with the 1.2L turbo petrol. The engine produces 108HP and 140nm. The Alrtoz DCA is the second car in the segment that gets a dual-clutch transmission (after i20). The Altroz also stands as the first dual-clutch transmission car with Planetary Gear System (with 45 patents). Moreover, it is also the cheapest car in India to get a dual-clutch gearbox! Today, let’s talk about the Shift By Wire and Wet Clutch technologies used in Altroz’s gearbox.
Shift-By-Wire
Shift by wire is essentially a technology where there’s no mechanical component involved while changing gears and drive modes. This means that the shifts between park, neutral, drive and reverse are done electronically, and not mechanically. This system helps the transmission set-up lose a considerable amount of weight and gain some serious speed. This system also enables manufacturers to ditch the “Stick Shifter” and move to classier solutions like rotator knobs and buttons.
Tata claims the shifting time on the Altroz DCA to be as low as 250 milliseconds.
Wet Clutch Technology
A ‘wet’ clutch is a clutch that requires a certain fluid to keep it cool. A dry clutch simply functions without any focused cooling solution. The significance of a wet clutch is pretty obvious; it prevents the clutch assembly from overheating. Overheating is a very common problem that dual-clutch transmissions face, and a wet clutch is a go-to solution to prevent it.
The Altroz DCA make use of a wet clutch technology with Active Cooling features which monitors the oil temperature 100 times/second and makes adjustments accordingly. The Active Cooling Technology is effectively beneficial for typical Indian use and environment.
Related- DCT vs CVT vs AMT!
These 2 technologies show that Tata has not at all held back with the Altroz DCA. They have gone all-in and given it the best possible hardware that they could have. This will be Tata’s first attempt at a DCT, and they surely don’t want it to go wrong, especially after all the attention Tata cars have been getting!
Machine Learning Technology
Tata Motors has also employed the use of Machine Learning in the Altroz DCA which learns the shifting pattern and behaviours and adjusts the transmission accordingly. This gives the driver a smooth and jerk-free driving experience.
Self Healing Mechanism
The Tata Altroz DCA is also equipped with a Self-Healing Mechanism (on top of standard filtration) which clears out dust and debris thus increasing the life of the transmission.
Auto Park Lock
The Auto Park Lock features on the Altroz DCA works when the car senses if the driver has forgotten to put the car in “Park” (P) mode. This safety feature also works when the car detects no seatbelt, door open, no active pedal and engine on. Kudos to Tata for this!
