The Mitsubishi Lancer RalliArt’s Twin-Clutch SST Transmission is one of the things that really sets this car apart from crowd. With fast, positive shifts, the SST feels like a manual transmission, but it does all the shifting for you … when you’re too lazy to shift for yourself.
When you want to take control over the transmission, just pop the console shifter into manual mode to gain access to gearshifts via the slapstick or steering wheel column mounted paddle shifters.
While it took us a while to warm up to the new-fangled way of changing gears, we’ve seen the light. If you like to keep both hands on the wheel at all times, you’re predisposed to take a liking to the paddle shifters.
Truth be told, the real magic isn’t in the shifters … it’s in the SST transmission itself, as it makes those lightning fast gear changes. The twin-clutches assure that the next gear is always there, with a healthy snap.
As shown in the video’s shift sequences, the difference between the SST transmission’s Normal and Sport modes is readily apparent, with Sport mode providing aggressive up and downshifts.
When the SST transmission is left in Normal mode and is driven conscientiously, shift points are conservative, yet fast. Toggle the console switch forward and Jekyll turns to Hyde. While there’s a just a hint of this under light acceleration, it shows clearly when the pedal is pushed with more urgency.
The shift points are relatively similar between modes at wide open throttle, with the assumption that if you mash it, you must mean it.
– by Daniel Gray
Just wanted to point out that the Jetta TDI you reviewed back in Feb ’09 (or thereabouts) had a DSG transmission which is the same exact thing.
DSG – Direct Shift Gearbox. Basically a dual cluth automated manual trans.
They have been equipping TDI’s with this trans since the 2005 New Beetle TDI. 2005.5+ Jetta TDIs have used the DSG, 2006+ GTI and they are exanding the DSG application now for 2010.
Just a heads up.