In order to continually offer us the advanced driving functions we want to enjoy on the road, automakers have to add new and improved features on a regular basis. The team at Mini has turned to a new transmission for the 2018 model year that will find its way into the three smallest Mini models to give us the smooth shift we want and an improved driving experience when we get behind the wheel to take a ride on the road. This new transmission is just one small step forward for the brand that uses the small name of Mini.
The outgoing transmission for the Mini 3 Door, 5 Door, and Convertible models wasn’t any slouch at all. This was a six-speed Steptronic automatic transmission that would give us the shifting that felt right. As this version is replaced, those that still want to have the shifting of a manual transmission will be able to do so with the six-speed manual that’s offered as the standard offering in these three Mini models. This new transmission that will make its way to the smallest Mini vehicles is a new seven-speed dual clutch automatic that will get the job done.
Detailing this new transmission
In addition to the new transmission, we will see a new electronic gear lever that will return to its original positon after the selection of a gear. This is similar to the models offered by the parent brand, BWM, and much like a joystick would return to the center in an arcade game. This new lever will feature a ‘P’ button for the parking lock and an ‘S’ spot to signify the sport mode. There is also a set of steering wheel mounted paddles for the manual shifting mode and the use of navigation data to manage the shift points when in automatic mode.
Typically, dual clutch transmission models are considered to be jerky and unrefined during city driving, but this impressive transmission is one that features a crawl function that gives you smooth acceleration from a stop without the need to press the accelerator at all. This allows you to have a more comfortable ride in the stop and go traffic that can be daunting in other models that have a similar transmission layout. There is also a dual mass flywheel with a centrifugal pendulum that helps to reduce the vibrations and noise at lower RPM levels.
With this new transmission being offered for the Mini models, you’ll have the smooth drive and the improved efficiency of the start/stop function of the engine under the hood of these three models. This is a new transmission that shows off and gives you what you’re looking for when it’s time for the drive in a car that has the personality and the qualities you’re looking for. Check out these three new Mini models and let the new seven-speed dual clutch automatic transmission is the right way for you to enjoy the shifting and the driving dynamics you’re looking for.
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