Toyota is developing a new automatic transmission for motorsports that the automaker claims mimics the feel of a manual gearbox. The project is meant to get more people involved in motorsports."It locks in from the moment you set off, responding linearly to gas pedal input and allowing you shave lap times without any loss," Ishiura said, contrasting the"slippery" and disconnected feel of conventional automatics.
The idea for the Direct Automatic Transmission reportedly originated with former Toyota CEO Akio Toyoda, who sought to make motorsports more accessible.
The new transmission hasn't been approved for production, but Toyota appears committed to sports cars, so there should be a home for it if it does get approval. While the transmission is meant for motorsports, that kind of direct feel would be attractive for Toyota's sports cars, though the company has made no claims that it will appear in such cars.
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Source: Reuters - 🏆 2. / 97 Read more »