I received another Lexus Advisory Board Survey today (second in as many weeks).

This time they were focused on drivetrains.

They asked for interest in AWD (yes please)

Torque vectoring AWD (absolutely)

8 Speed Automatic (neutral)

6 Speed Dual Clutch Transmission (double yes please)

This is a good sign that for some future Lexus products, we will see some fun approaches to the drivetrains.

 

Meh...I'd go for torque vectoring RWD and 8-speed DCT. But this is a good step in the right direction indeed.

 

Interesting that they want to stick with a six speed DCT when they're probably planning a few years out. I'd think a 7-8 speed unit would make more sense.

Torque vectoring AWD sounds awesome, and confirms many rumors that we have heard.


Thanks for keeping us in the loop on these

 

These are awesome items, but Lexus and their conservative ways has me skeptical. At least in the short run, I don't think we'll see most of these for a few years save for the 8-speed which is very likely given current competitor offerings

 

If the higher speed trannies equate to better fuel economy, I'm all for it.

 

well lexus had world's first 8 speed, so I am sure we will see more of them :-).

As to the double-clutch transmissions, not sure... they are basically manual transmissions still, not sure how much point is to have 7 or 8 speed manual...

 

As much point as there is to have 8-speed autos, except DCTs will be more efficient with no torque converter sagging power away. However, Lexus will be labeled a "follower" if they are only now dropping a 6-speed DCT into one of their new cars as they will be about 10 years late to the game. That's why I said they need to do a 8-speed DCT since no one has done one yet.

 

well new AT's have torque converter locked most of the time, thats how the get such high MPG numbers these days, and overall no DSG will be as smooth as AT in all situations. Thats Audi for instance is bringing classic AT's instead of DSGs on A6 in the USA.

DSG basically is cheaper solution though so i can see it being used in the future on that basis as well.

 

Sounds like good news. I reported RWD torque vectoring on the 4GS a long time ago. Hope it makes it to production.

 

8 speed is the new 6 speed. Case in point: '11 A6 3.0L, 6AT 18/26 MPG. '12 A6 3.0L, 8AT 19/28.


And my bet is that more than half of Lexus owners wouldn't give a hoot about dual clutch trans.

 

I suppose you didn't know that it was Acura that came up with the world's first torque vectoring AWD.

 

Guess he must have missed that glaring bit of information.

 

I'm definitely not a fan of AWD. It doesn't add to the driving experience and cars don't need the extra weight.


I'm OK with a dual clutch transmission so long as:

1. it gets similar ballpark fuel efficiency as the current 8-speed automatic, and
2. it weighs around the same as the current 8-speed automatic (or less, although that's unlikely).

I'm still convinced that dual-clutch transmissions are too heavy and have gained traction in high-performance cars only because manufacturers are chasing spec times. I'm not willing to give up gas mileage or the weight. For example, even the 6-speed dual-clutch unit in the GT-R weighs around 30kg more than the 8-speed automatic unit in the IS F.


I am pretty sure both Mitsubishi (in the Evo) and Nissan (in the Skyline) both preempted the Acura brand with torque vectoring.

 

i am ok with dct as an option, but i am not really understanding the 6 speed. for fuel economy, shouldn't they have 1-2 more gears in it?

 

My desire for AWD stems from a life in Boston and
now Chicago
I would say that the driving experience provided
by AWD in winter is a positive one
Regarding the transmission thing, the survey did
Include mention of the 8 speed providing a furl
economy benefit
Regarding robot operated clutch systems I have
only driven a couple of Mitsu Lancers including
an Evo 10 and that system is aweful from a dead
start in normal traffic
In contrast I was extremely happy with the single
clutch set up in the LFA
Regarding the DCT penetration in sports cars
we have Porsche and Ferrari using them all the
live long day
There has been trend bucking seen in the new
Aventador but it is too early to know if the DCT
trend will be stopped