Faster gearshifts and more fun: New dual-clutch transmission in the MINI

As a brand well known for it's sporty character, MINI is set to further enhance its reputation with the introduction of a new transmission to the range. Extremely fast gear changes, a high degree of shift comfort and optimised efficiency - just some of the benefits of the new seven-speed Steptronic automatic double-clutch transmission available for the MINI 3-Door Hatch, MINI 5-Door Hatch and the MINI Convertible.

The double-clutch transmission is operated by a newly designed electronic selector lever. Further enhancing the premium character of the vehicle, the new selector lever always returns to its original position after changing between driving mode D, neutral position N and reverse mode.

The parking lock is activated by pressing the P button. S mode can be activated by shifting the selector lever to the left from position D, allowing the driver manual intervention.

The design principle of the double-clutch transmission has been adapted directly from motor racing. Just like on the race track, it allows MINI drivers to accelerate by enabling upward gearshifts without torque interruption.

The driver can keep the accelerator pedal pressed down while the transmission control sets the shift points precisely - within just a fraction of a second the ideal engine speed is always available after the gearshift to ensure a continuous increase in speed.

This is possible due to the specific structure of the double-clutch transmission. It combines two partial transmissions in a single housing. The core element of the system consists of two oil-cooled wet clutches: One of these is responsible for the even transmission ratios (2, 4, 6) while the other is for the uneven ratios (1, 3, 5, 7) and reverse.

During travel, one of the two clutches is open and the other is closed. They interact when the driver shifts up or down: opening one clutch activates closure of the second at the same time.

The increase in drive positions compared with the six-speed manual transmission benefits both performance and comfort. The seven gear double-clutch transmission enables a broader spread of gears, thereby reducing the differences in engine speed between the various drive positions. Together with the direct engine link that is characteristic of the double-clutch transmission, the reduced rev jumps intensify driving fun when accelerating.