[The Automotive Enthusiast]

The latest rumor from Munich has BMW working on a dual-clutch transmission for their new front-wheel drive vehicles. When BMW launched their first front-wheel drive car in 2014, customers had the option to choose a standard six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission made by Aisin.

Journalists -including us – driving an Aisin-supplied automatic BMW noticed that the transmission is unobtrusive, but when using manual mode, less gears would be more. So if you want to get to a lower gear for a passing maneuver or an upcoming corner, the transmission has put you in seventh or eighth and takes way too many downshifts with marginal rev changes to actually get the engine where you want it to be.

So with the new DCT, is it fair to assume that BMW is working on a series of front-wheel drive performance vehicles? Volkswagen uses a DCT in FWD, so the technology is certainly available. The issue with FWD is anything over about 180 lb-ft creates torque steer at slow speeds, so an automated manual transmission will allow BMW – on paper – to limit output in lower gears.

One model that could use a high-performance version is the new BMW X1 and likely the upcoming X2. Both models are built on the FWD platform with the X1 currently sending power to the wheel via a six-speed manual or an Aisin eight-speed automatic. A potential X1 M or even an X1 M40i could take advantage of quicker and more aggressive shifting.

MINI’s new family of cars is another probable destination – the JCW models are the ones that make most sense.

If BMW is indeed planning a DCT for FWD, the sporty transmission won’t be out – based on our assumptions – for at least two years.

[Yeineken]

Awesome and sad at the same time. If they do a high performance X1/X2 I hope you can get it with XDrive.

[Abax335]

Well so far in the US all you can get is the Xdrive. FWD is not an option as of yet.

[The Automotive Enthusiast]

Originally Posted by Abax335

Well so far in the US all you can get is the Xdrive. FWD is not an option as of yet.

But is xDrive front wheel drive bias?

[SCOTT26]

It entirely makes sense for more FWD vehicles that are still to come under BMW & MINI.

[Matski]

Originally Posted by SCOTT26

It entirely makes sense for more FWD vehicles that are still to come under BMW & MINI.

Higher performance version of the F52 I'm hoping.

[mkoesel]

Answers the question of whether UKL cars from M Division will pack a DCT: yes.

Will we see an AWD 1M sedan with S48 and DCT first? I think the chance is good. Or maybe an M hatchback?

[Peter_R]

Originally Posted by Mo@BMW

But is xDrive front wheel drive bias?

Yes. It appears that in normal dry driving conditions, 100% of the power is sent to the Front Wheels.

[mkoesel]

Originally Posted by Peter_R

Yes. It appears that in normal dry driving conditions, 100% of the power is sent to the Front Wheels.

Is it? I hadn't seen that specific detail discussed anywhere. All I've read is that up to 100% of the power can be directed to the rear wheels as necessary, but nothing about the split under normal conditions. Do you have a link? To be clear, I am not saying that I think you are incorrect, I just want to educate myself.

In any case, so far all UKL BMW are light trucks. And they are non-performance models at that. These models aren't likely the recipients of the DCT transmission discussed here anyway (though it does remain a possibility - Mercedes uses their DCT with the high performance GLA45 compact SUV for example). As more products are rolled out, we may soon see new AWD systems from BMW (and Mini for that matter) geared more toward performance. I suspect BMW is not going to let themselves be upstaged in this segment. A future UKL M2, for example, is likely to outperform not only the new F87, but the next RS3 and A45/CLA45 as well. To do that, it's going to need a very robust AWD system.

[Peter_R]

Originally Posted by mkoesel

Is it? I hadn't seen that specific detail discussed anywhere. All I've read is that up to 100% of the power can be directed to the rear wheels as necessary, but nothing about the split under normal conditions. Do you have a link? To be clear, I am not saying that I think you are incorrect, I just want to educate myself.

I will try to find the link if I can. Perhaps it is in one of the video road test reports. Having said that, being journalists and being a one liner as they say, they could be incorrect. If that is the case, then I am sorry I could have misquoted a misquote if you see what I mean? I will have a look around and post if I find it. Note. I did say appears. Not being definite.

[mkoesel]

Originally Posted by Peter_R

I will try to find the link if I can.

...

Note. I did say appears. Not being definite.

Sure, no sweat. Like I say, I just want to arm myself with knowledge.

[Peter_R]

Originally Posted by mkoesel

Sure, no sweat. Like I say, I just want to arm myself with knowledge.

Here you are...

http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/car-rev...d-2015-review/

Anyway, the vast majority of X1s sold will be four-wheel-drive xDrive versions. They’ll use the same system as the Active Tourer xDrive, which uses a hydraulically controlled clutch inside the rear drive axle to direct a more or less infinitely variable split of torque to the front and rear wheels. During steady-state driving the hydraulic pump depressurises and returns the car to its front-drive roots, to conserve energy and fuel.

[mkoesel]

Thanks for the link. I'll assume they are a credible source. I believe this is typical of many FWD-based AWD vehicles such as those using the Haldex system (which BMW may or may not be, not sure).

[Peter_R]

BMW UK configurator....

http://www.bmw.co.uk/en_GB/new-vehic...roduction.html

[r3dbimmer89]

Originally Posted by Yeineken

Awesome and sad at the same time. If they do a high performance X1/X2 I hope you can get it with XDrive.

I doubt in the near future there will be a full M version of the X1/X2...

[Yeineken]

Originally Posted by r3dbimmer89

I doubt in the near future there will be a full M version of the X1/X2...

If there's a niche market BMW tends to go for it. It may not be a M GmbH model but it could be something along the line of a X4 M40i.