Renault has developed a new, six-speed, dual clutch transmission gearbox entitled Efficient Dual Clutch (EDC) which delivers a standard of fuel consumption and CO2 emissions which marks a significant step forward compared with that of conventional automatic transmissions (a gain of up to 17% which can save approximately 30g/km).
The EDC gearbox is available with the core-range dCi 110 FAP engine of the Mégane and Scénic models. Thanks to their lower CO2 emissions, the EDC equipped Méganes & Scénics will be the brand’s first automatic cars to qualify for the Renault eco2 signature with CO2 emissions from only 114g/km.
The new EDC automatic gearbox represents a genuine break from traditional automatic gearboxes, by offering the same sturdiness and running costs as a manual gearbox providing you with the following benefits:
Smooth and rapid gear transitions exactly as you would expect from a top-of-the-range traditional automatic gearbox, with each gear transition taking onto 290 milliseconds.
The development of the new gearbox has been guided by the practicality of a manual gearbox and the EDC is able to deliver controlled fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
Renault are proud to announce that the EDC engine delivers low CO2 emissions across Mégane and Scénic. Limited to 114 g/km for the Mégane Hatch, Coupé and Sport Tourer and only 130 g/km for the Scénic, Grand Scénic & new Mégane Coupé Cabriolet, this engine is able to offer economy alongside the regular benefits of an automatic.
The EDC is a combination of two parallel half gearboxes, which work together and are both designed like a traditional manual gearbox. The engine torque is transmitted to each half gearbox via a specific clutch:
At the perfect moment gears are changed by shifting from one clutch to the other, the first clutch opens whilst the second closes simultaneously which guarantees continuous and smooth traction during gear changes.
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 synchronisers, as is the case with a manual gearbox. These synchronisers, like the clutches, are operated by electric actuators, which are in turn controlled by a control unit, which measures a number of parameters to select the ideal gear.
The system instantaneously adapts to the driver's demands by selecting the gear, which delivers the right amount of power the instant it is required.
The development of EDC as a dry dual–clutch, offers practical implications, by helping to limit friction and consequently deliver better performance.
Additional features include:
Drivers have a choice of either Automatic mode or Flick-shift mode, which allows the driver more control over gear changes using the gear stick. Both modes allow an instant response to the driver's actions.