Many of the advanced technologies and significant issues remain to be resolved before implementation. Inhibitors which could delay or preclude implementation might include unproven reliability, vehicle packaging issues and cost .vs. value as perceived by the customer.

Auto Shift Manual Transmission and Select Shift Manual Transmission

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What it is :

Select Shift Manual (SSM) and Auto Shift Manual (ASM) use a combination of Auto-Clutch and Shift by Wire electronic control system technology to provide the customer fun to shift experience along with significant fuel economy improvements over a base manual transmission. The Select Shift Manual mode allows a customer to command gear changes according to his/her personal preference like a conventional manual transmission. The Auto Shift Manual mode provides the customer automatic gear shifting much like an automatic transmission.

How it works :

Both the Auto-Clutch subsystem and Shift By Wire subsystem use an electro-hydraulic or electromechanical actuation system controlled by a stand alone transmission control module.

A customer requests a gear shift by using the appropriate driver interface mechanism (shift lever, push buttons, etc.). In place of the usual cable/linkage (which is eliminated) a sensor informs the controller of the requested gear shift. The controller processes the request and commands the actuators to open/close the clutch and disengage/engage the gear sequence with very fast response times. Engine torque is controlled during the shift either by controlling the throttle directly (drive by wire) or enabling ignition/fuel injection control to provide smooth shifts.

Customer benefit :

Fuel economy improvement with fun to shift convenience and shift more flexibility,

Ford Status :

Under development - will appear on 2000 Lincoln LS.

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