Volvo cars are equipped with the optional Geartronic transmission, which essentially resembles the Porsche Tiptronic transmission introduced in late 1989.
Automakers have experimented with a clutchless semi-automatic transmission since the 1930s, at the time Packard, Chrysler and Oldsmobile. Later and much better examples appeared in 1990 and in the later version of the Porsche 911 Tiptronic, BMW Steptronic and Chrysler Autostick.
Cars equipped with a manual transmission are generally better than automatic models. Engines can reach peak rpm before shifting with a manual transmission.
Manual transmission provides better vehicle control. Typical automatics today offer a "lazy" drive that requires no effort on the part of the driver using a computer-controlled automatic gearshift system. The Geartronic transmission offers drivers both options.
Volvo Geartronic
Volvo Geartronic is produced in a five or six speed version with a microprocessor chip for displacement control. In manual mode, the driver manually controls the transmission. When switching to automatic mode, the driver eliminates the need for manual control. In manual mode, the driver blocks the computer and directly controls the torque converter in the transmission.
Manual shifting is especially useful when downshifting to assist when braking the vehicle. In high-end Volvo models equipped with engines of 2 liters or more, Geartronic is available as an option.
Volvo also offers a traditional manual clutch transmission. The Getrag M66 has six forward and one reverse gears.
Performance
Overall performance differences between Volvo's Geartronic six-speed transmission and the six-speed manual are minimal. For example, a Volvo C30 equipped with a six-speed Geartronic can accelerate from zero to 62 mph in 9.5 seconds. The manual C30 reaches the same distance in 9.4 seconds.
Top speed with Geartronic is 127 mph, while manual C30s is 130 mph. The difference in fuel efficiency is larger: the manual version of the C30 goes up to 55.4mpg, while the Geartronic model goes up to 48.7mpg.
