BMW is working on a DCT transmission for front-wheel-drive models

When BMW launched the first front-wheel-drive model in 2014, customers had two transmission options: a six-speed manual gearbox or an eight-speed automatic developed by Aisin. Now, according to the rumours reaching us from Munich, BMW is already working on a DCT dual-clutch automatic transmission for front-wheel-drive models.

This Aisin-developed automatic transmission has one clear drawback when used in sequential mode. While the shifts are smooth and barely noticeable, when using sequential mode at higher speeds, when we need to downshift to overtake or to take a corner, the excess of gears makes it somewhat heavy and can work against it.

It is therefore reasonable that a new DCT transmission for front-wheel-drive models should be available in the near future, something that has been happening for years at Volkswagen with its front-wheel-drive vehicle platform. One of the models that could get this new automatic transmission would be the new BMW X1 and the future X2 (rumoured). Both models would be based on the X1’s front-wheel-drive platform, which currently sends power to the front wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox or the eight-speed Aisin automatic.

Although all of this is unconfirmed and we do not know whether these rumours are true or false, or whether they are simply fans’ wishes to see machines like these, a possible BMX X1 M or even an X1 M40i could benefit from this new dual-clutch transmission to make it more aggressive. The new family of Mini models also seems a logical destination for this gearbox, where the John Cooper Works models make the most sense. All of this is rumour, but a first timeframe places the launch of this DCT transmission within two years.

Via | BMW Blog