Apparently Honda isn’t done pushing the boundaries when it comes to transmission technology. The automaker already has a unique eight-speed dual-clutch automatic with a torque converter and a new nine-speed auto (albeit sourced from ZF), but AutoGuide recently dug up a patent filed by Honda detailing a triple-clutch, 11-speed automatic transmission.
Honda submitted the patent to the Japan Patent Office back in May, but the link is currently broken or has been taken down. But according to AutoGuide¸ the patent’s description claims the addition of a third clutch would decrease the loss of torque experienced between gear shifts in dual-clutch gearboxes. The triple-clutch unit would also allow “speed change to be more effectively restricted and a speed change response to be increased.” Since the description was translated from Japanese, we assume it means even quicker gear shifts compared to dual-clutch units.
Autocar followed up on the patent and spoke to a Honda insider who confirmed the patent filing. However, the insider said the automaker currently has no plans to approve the triple-clutch gearbox for production. The unnamed source expressed doubts that it would be used in any of Honda’s new models on the horizon, including the next-gen CR-V.
The automaker currently uses dual-clutch automatics in a number of models including the Acura TLX sedan and NSX supercar. It has also increased its usage of continuously variable transmissions in vehicles like the 2016 Honda Civic and Accord.
The post New Honda Patent Reveals Transmission With Three Clutches, 11 Gears appeared first on Motor Trend.
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