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The major difference with Skyactiv-Drive and a conventional automatic is that the torque converters are different. The conventional converter uses a large, single hydraulically operated clutch that will lock the torque converter to the flex plate, preventing slippage.
Skyactiv-Drive uses a multiplate clutch arrangement, similar to that of a motorcycle clutch, to lock the torque converter to the flex plate.
Cool info. I was wrong, obviously, about the torque converter. It seems, then, it is NOT a torque converter at all, but rather a wet clutch. This is exactly what a person can find in a dual-clutch automated manual transmission, except in the Skyativ-AT, there is only one such clutch, not two. Obviously, then, Skyactiv-AT monitors whether your foot is on the brake, 'cuz if your foot is on the brake the wet clutch is fully disengaged. When your foot comes off the brake, and to induce creep, the wet clutch partially deploys. As Tango and Woodinville Dan say, this multiplate style of clutch is exactly a motorcycle clutch...
This has five implications, to my way of thinking:
i) no torque multiplication at roll-out;
ii) perhaps less heat generation than a TC-based automatic (???);
iii) perhaps more wear of "consumables" - "frictions", "steels" - than with a torque converter based automatic... so possibly less life expectancy between rebuilds;
iv) less "cushioning" at start off and at creeping to a stop than a TC based A/T; and
v) more generation of "swarf" (abrasive wear particles)... which can wear out valve bodies sooner, along with other A/T internals. This last observation suggests to me that bypass tight media filtration would have merit with Skyactiv-AT transmissions.
Cool. Thx for the info!
