Renault Making New Six-Speed EDC Dual Clutch Transmission Available Across Mégane Range

10 May 2010

Renault’s EDC (Efficient Dual Clutch). Click to enlarge.

Renault is extending the Mégane line-up with the availability of its new six-speed EDC (Efficient Dual Clutch) automatic transmission. This new gearbox will be available exclusively with the dCi 110 DPF diesel engine.

The EDC transmission delivers an improvement in fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions over the same figures for a conventional automatic of up to 17 %, i.e. approximately 30g of CO₂/km. As a result, Mégane Hatchback, Mégane Coupé, Mégane Estate, Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet, Scénic and Grand Scénic become the first models of the Renault range to qualify for the Renault eco² signature with automatic transmission.

Renault’s new EDC gearbox is a genuine automatic transmission. It dispenses with the need for a clutch pedal, while gearshift control is of the“'P-R-N-D” type, plus an “up/down” shift mode. The ideal gear is selected by an electronic control unit and gearshifts are both automatic and comfortable.

To optimize efficiency and minimize fuel consumption, Renault has chosen a dual dry clutch system for its EDC transmission. The first of the two clutches looks after the odd-number gears (1^st, 3^rd and 5^th), while the second covers the even-number gears (2^nd, 4^th and 6^th), as well as reverse. The gears are carried by four shafts: two concentric primary shafts (each of which is connected to a clutch) and two secondary shafts.

Gears are matched by means of synchronizers, as is the case with a manual gearbox. These synchronizers, like the clutches, are operated by electric actuators which are in turn controlled by a control unit.