Running Head: SEQUENTIAL GEARBOXES
Abstract
This paper will discuss the technology of sequential gearboxes. Relatively new technology, the sequential gearbox has been applied mostly in ATV’s, motorcycles, and the automobile racing industry. Recently this technology has begun to reach passenger cars. There are three main points of discussion; the workings of a manual transmission, how a sequential gearbox works and the advantages of them, and the applications of it today. The sequential gearbox is extremely revolutionary and is only used in high-end passenger cars, but maybe one day it will be a luxury the majority of the population will be able to experience.
Sequential Gearboxes
The sequential gearbox is a very interesting twist on a manual transmission. It dates back to the early 20th century; used mostly on motorcycles and other off road equipment during the World Wars (Italia, 1993). Since then this transmission has exploded into not only the racing world but also the passenger car world (Immell, 1994). Sequential gearboxes have numerous advantages over a standard manual transmission. To further understand the concept of a sequential gearbox one must know the basics of how a transmission works, and then can fully understand the advantages of a sequential gearbox.
Manual Transmission Basics
Cars or motorcycles need transmissions because of the physics of the gasoline engine. First of all any engine has a redline. A red line is the maximum rpm value above which the engine cannot go without blowing up and sending parts flying everywhere. Transmissions use gears and gear ratios to keep the engine running under its redline. Secondly, transmissions are needed in order to keep the engine in its maximum torque range. Without a transmission the engine would not be efficient at all, because it would never stay in the rpm range with the most power (Brain, n.d.). The whole philosophy behind shifting gears is to keep the engine in its best possible working range. When talking about transmissions there are essentially two different types of them; automatic and manual. A manual transmission simply means that the driver has to shift his or her own gears. An automatic transmission selects the...
... middle of paper ...
...ill be possible in the future.
References
Brain, M. (n.d.) How Sequential Transmissions Work. Retrieved March 27, 2005, from http://auto.howstuffworks.com/sequential-gearbox.htm
Brejcha, M. (1993). Automatic transmissions and transaxles: Fundamentals of operation, 31-50. New Jersey. Prentice Hall.
Immell, M. (1994). Automobiles Connecting People and Places, 36-51. San Diego. Lucent Books Inc.
Italia. B. (1993). Great Automakers and their Cars. The Oliver Press Inc. Minneapolis.
Markus, F. (2002 July). BMW M3 SMG. Car and Driver. Retrieved March 26, 2005, from http://www.caranddriver.com/article.asp?section_id=16& article_id=1878&page_number=1
Stone, M. (August 2002). Shifty Business. Motor Trend. Retrieved March 26, 2005, from http://motortrend.com/features/11_0208_trans/index.htm
Note: The parts listed are for a T5 or T5Z transmission. Swapping to an aftermarket tranny (example: TKO, 3550, T56, etc.) will require a slightly different list of parts. These questions may be answered in the new Q&A list that is under developement.
* This type of system is also referred to as a continuously variable transmission. It is called this because as the engine speed increases the final drive ratio increases. That is, the difference between the engine speed and track speed decreases. It is equivalent to an automatic transmission on a car with an infinite number of gears that you never felt shift. Let's take a look at how this "infinite gearing" process works:
Removing a transmission is a long process, which requires special tools and equipment. Do not attempt it without proper equipment. Transmissions are very heavy and require the use of a trans jack. Also the engine will need support without the sub frame in place.
Specifically, on a standard five speed, the gears are as follows: Neutral is located in the middle of the panel. From neutral, gears must be changed accordingly. First gear is found to the far upper left, and is used to get the car moving from a stopped position. Down left is second gear, used for speeds up to twenty-five miles per hour. Third gear is located upper middle of the panel, used for speeds from about twenty-five to forty miles per hour. Fourth gear is found at the lower middle and would be good for between forty and fifty miles per hour. Fifth gear is found to the far upper right, and is used for higher driving speeds such as on the freeway. Last but not least is reverse, which is to the far bottom right, used for backing up. These gears must be maneuvered the exact same way each time the automobile is driven.
In 1960, the American car landscape itself had expanded as Detroit began offering “compacts” alongside their full-size models. Many drivers, however, were looking for something in between these full size and compact model; this interest gave way to a new class, the intermediate. With many innovations between 1960 and 1964, like the 406 cubic inch V8 from Ford, the 389 from General Motors, and the wedge V8s from Chrysler, the golden age of muscle cars began in 1964. The Pontiac Tempest G...
The world of technology is ever changing and advancing. With the automotive industry in play technology is constantly surpassing what is available today with what can be done for tomorrow. Technology and the automotive industry go hand in hand with constant improvement to components of cars. Due to technology advancement there is competition within the car industry, especially between American car companies and European car companies. European car companies provide their buyers with innovative variety and revolutionary luxuries. European car technology is superior to American car technology due to their safety, entertainment, and luxury features.
7 the data we obtained from BMW with research in the library and on-line. We then developed a
„h Always place the gear shift lever in park or in gear in the case of a manual transmission.
This paper is a look at the physics behind car racing. We look look at how we can use physics to select tires, how physics can help predict how much traction we will have, how physics helps modern cars get there extreme speed, how physics lets us predict the power of an engine, and how physics can even help the driver find the quickest way around the track.
Before the advent of the automobile, buggies were typically propelled by one or more horses. Even with the first automobiles there was a need for a drive system, though, since those horses were no longer there. One thing that has remained common to every car is a motor and transmission system of some sort, but what varies greatly between cars is what is between the transmission and the wheels, also known as the drive train. There are many different styles of drive trains, each with their own advantages and disadvantages.
So you are buying a new car and you ask yourself, Manual or Automatic? So choose. I told you the pros and cons on automatics and manuals. I told you which kind I like best. And even threw an opinion from another source. But in the end the choice is all yours. I can not tell you what kind of car to drive. What kind of transmission to get. Or even how to drive it, that is your prerogative. All I can tell you is that if you want some excitement in your ride, and do not want to spend a lot of money in the maintenance of you car, your best choice is a manual transmission. Even though manual transmissions are "it", for lack of a better word, in the end, it all comes down to the individual's preference
Brakes may be one of the most essential inventions in the developments of automobiles. Clearly, nothing can surpass the breakthrough of the wheel, but the brake system was a catalyst to the further developments of cars. The brake system has also evolved greatly throughout the years. Once considered one of the simplest parts of a vehicle, brakes have become one of the most complicated components in a vehicle. The scientific explanation behind a brake system is very rudimentary. Friction permits the concept of braking to occur.
In my undergraduate years, I have acquired a strong background in the fundamentals of basic mechanical engineering, having studied subjects such as Strength of Materials, Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, Heat and Mass Transfer, Design of Machine Elements and Automobile Engineering. Whilst pursuing my diploma & degree courses, my interest for Automotive Engineering grew even more having learnt more on the different types of internal combustion engines, their configuration and importance. However, what I lacked was a practical understanding on these core areas of Automotive Engineering. To gain a better understandi...
...transmission has as many as six forward gears, which contribute to longer engine life and reduced gas consumption” (Motoring). Upgrades are often used to improve an automobile or engine. An upgrade can be defined as: the betterment of something, in this case an I.C.E… An upgrade can be as simple as replacing a part with a newer better model of that same part. Headers, for example, an upgrade may be to replace the existing headers with bigger ones or headers that are made of a different material the will not clog as easily; basically they make the engine run better and last longer.
Another strategy used by BMW to differentiate itself from other automakers in the market is the proactive usage of technology and innovativeness in the development of products. From the early 1990’s, BMW has been on the forefront of incorporating technology in its designs in line with the technological advances of the modern world. This has led to the creation of inventive products. The uniqueness of these auto products put BMW in a position of advantage. The development of the hydrogen car as early as 2000 was an indicator of the company’s innovative strategy. In addition, the company also presents itself as environment friendly creating a whole range of vehicles in this category. This is a differentiation strategy meant to boost the company’s image and reputation amongst customers. In addition, this gives the environment conscious customers a variety of products to choose from giving BMW an upper hand in the industry.