2008 Ford Focus: Twin Clutch Gearbox Debuts

Motoring Channel Staff - 13/September/2007

Frankfurt, Germany — The Ford Focus is one of the Blue Oval's biggest sellers. In the UK alone more than 1.1 million second Focus models have been sold, and now a new model has been launched at the '07 Frankfurt Motor Show, which will be on sale in Europe from early 2008.

We predict that it will be one of the most popular Focus models yet. There are two reasons for this. One is because the major changes to the new model involve the sharp new headlight design,new look grilles, restyled rear glass and new tail lamps. A new design always brings more customers to the fold

The second, and potentially more important reason for increased interest in the Ford Focus is the addition of a twin-clutch semi-automatic gearbox similar to Volkswagen's wildly popular DSG.

Ford employed Getrag to develop the new twin clutch gearbox, which operates like a traditional automatic in 'D' or drive mode, shifting automatically with no need for manual changes. However, it is quicker to shift and more efficient than even a manual gearbox. There will also be a tiptronic mode so drivers can maintain more control.

Ford has nicknamed the new semi-automatic gearbox the PowerShift transmission, and will find it's way into the new Focus and the European C-MAX model.According to Ford, the new PowerShift transmission will be available from early 2008 in combination with the 100kW (136hp) and 81kW (110hp) versions of the 2.0-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel engine.

Expect the new twin clutch semi-automatic PowerShift gearbox to be made available in the new Ford Focus ST (known as the XR5 Turbo in Australia) when it launches in the second quarter of 2008 in Europe.

Jointly developed by Ford and transmission specialists Getrag, the gearbox consists of two layshaft transmissions working in parallel, each with its own wet clutch unit explained Ford. Thanks to the layout of the intermediate shafts – one carrying the 'uneven' gears 1, 3 and 5, while the other one 'even' gears 2, 4 and 6 – the next gear change can be prepared by pre-selection whilst in motion and at full power.

As well as faster shifts and improved performance, Ford says the new PowerShift transmission reduces fuel consumption improves by around 10% on a given model, while also reducing CO2 emissions.

Ford will also offer a new 80kW (109hp) "ECOnetic" model in Europe which benefits from various aerodynamic upgrades to reduce fuel consumption. The 1.6-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel engine delivers an almost hybrid-like level of fuel efficiency, just 4.3 litres of fuel used per 100km (65mpg in the UK scale). Average CO2 emissions are equally low, at only 115g per kilometre.

Ford will also offer European drivers a Flexifuel version of the 1.8-litre Duratec petrol 4-cylinder engine, which can be fuelled with bio-ethanol E85-fuel as an alternative to conventional unleaded petrol – or in any mix of both. The Ford Focus range also includes CNG (compressed natural gas) and LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) derivatives both based on the 2.0-litre Duratec petrol engine.

As well as the tweaked engines, double clutch gearbox and the new exterior design, Ford has added new soft-touch plastics to cover the Focus's instrument panel as well as the upper front door trim. New seat fabrics also feature in the 2008 Ford Focus, and the instrumentation has been redesigned as well, all of which are illuminated in red.

Range-topping models also get a newly designed centre console (optional with Zetec and part of the Sport Pack), which adopts the flowing 'kinetic design' look. It adds more storage compartments, a USB audio connection box and the Ford Power Button, which will be positioned near the gear shifter.

The new 2008 Ford Focus made it's debut at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show, and will begin rolling off production lines from the end of 2007. Three-door, four-door, five-door and estate body styles will be first in UK showrooms in early '08, while the Coupé-Cabriolet and ST sporting flagship variants arriving in the second quarter of 2008.

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