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Lotus has submitted a patent application for a lighter, simpler and more compact dual-clutch transmission system.
However, in its application Lotus Cars engineer James Turner states: "There is a need for a more compact design of transmission unit, with fewer parts".
See the Lotus patent application pictures
The gearbox shown in the application is an eight-speed unit, with seven forward gears and reverse.
The application is made by Lotus Cars rather than Lotus Engineering, but Lotus sources have told Autocar that the unit is in fact being developed by its Engineering arm.
As a result, it will be sold to customers. This explains why Lotus has made submissions for both front and rear-drive variants of the system.
The Lotus source confirmed that the company has no plans to use the gearbox in any Lotus cars.
"The gearbox design provides an efficient and compact solution for applications on a wide range of vehicle architectures," said a Lotus spokesman. "Lotus Engineering holds a number of patents and it is our business to bring them to market, often in collabortaion with partners."
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