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The Most Unique Types of Transmissions

 

It's a fact: manual transmission vehicles are becoming increasingly rare in America. Despite the impressive advancements in automatic transmissions like Porsche’s PDK system, many of us still cherish the tactile experience of shifting gears ourselves. Although most modern drivers favor automatic transmissions for their ease of use, there was a time when a variety of unique transmission setups were commonplace. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of these distinctive transmission systems and the reasons behind their development.

Hurst Lightning Rod Shifter

 

 

One of the most interesting transmission systems was the Hurst Lightning Rod shifter, introduced in the 1983 Oldsmobile Cutlass Hurst/Olds special edition. Towards the end of the Malaise era, a time when American cars provided a less than engaging driving experience, Oldsmobile wanted to bring back the muscle car in an exciting manner. To market their new special edition Cutlass as a fun to drive muscle car, they worked with Hurst to create the Lightning Rods shifter.

This unique setup featured multiple gear levers, allowing drivers to manually shift between the gears of their automatic transmission. The Lightning Rods provided a more engaging driving experience by letting the driver control their own upshifts and downshifts. This system aimed to combine the excitement of manual transmissions with the convenience of an automatic, in an effort to bring back automotive enthusiasts in America. 

Technically, the Lightning Rods consist of three separate levers: one for standard automatic shifting and two additional rods for manual control over the first three gears. The first rod engages first gear, the second moves to second gear, and the third engages third gear. This allows for driver timed shifts during performance driving. This setup is very similar to the Lenco transmission which is discussed in further detail below but was actually installed in production vehicles whereas the Lenco wasn’t.

Volkswagen's Auto-Stick

 

Volkswagen also experimented with innovative transmission designs with the Auto-Stick, which combined automatic and manual transmission driving experiences. Found in classic Beetles, this system allowed drivers to manually select gears without a clutch pedal. The Auto-Stick was essentially an early attempt at creating a semi-automatic transmission, providing the ease of an automatic while still giving the driver a sense of control over gear selection.

The Auto-Stick transmission works by using a torque converter in place of a traditional clutch, allowing the driver to shift gears manually using a gear lever without needing to operate a clutch pedal. When the driver moves the gear lever, a micro switch engages a vacuum-operated clutch servo, which disengages the clutch. This allows the gear to change smoothly, and once the lever is released, the clutch re-engages automatically. This system provided a compromise between full manual control and the ease of an automatic, making it a popular choice for those who wanted the best of both worlds.

The Legendary Lenco Transmission

 

The Lenco transmission, while never installed in a production vehicle, earned fame in the drag racing world. Its unique operation, allowing for rapid and reliable gear changes, made it a favorite among drag racers and contributed to its legendary status. The Lenco transmission is known for its robustness and the ability to handle extreme horsepower, which is why it became a staple in drag racing.

The Lenco works by using a series of planetary gear sets and clutch packs, each controlled by an individual lever. When a lever is engaged, it activates a clutch pack that locks a planetary gear set into place, changing the gear ratio. This allows for almost instantaneous gear changes, as the driver can pre-select the next gear and engage it by simply pulling a lever. This setup is highly durable and capable of handling the immense power generated by high-performance drag racing engines, making it a preferred choice for professional drag racers.

Mitsubishi's Super Shift Transmission

 

Mitsubishi's Super Shift transmission was another unusual design, functioning similarly to a big rig’s gearbox with high and low ratios available for each gear. This system featured a secondary gear lever, providing a range of gear ratios that could be selected manually. The Super Shift added a layer of complexity and control to the driving experience, allowing drivers to fine-tune their gear selection for optimal performance. This transmission was particularly innovative for its time, offering a unique solution for drivers who wanted more control over their vehicle's performance.

The Super Shift transmission worked by offering a dual-range setup, essentially providing eight forward gears instead of the traditional four. The primary gear lever operated as a standard four-speed manual transmission, while the secondary lever allowed the driver to select between "power" and "economy" ranges. In "power" mode, the transmission offered closer gear ratios for better performance, while "economy" mode provided wider gear ratios for improved fuel efficiency. This dual-range system allowed drivers to optimize their driving experience based on their needs, whether for performance or fuel economy.

 

 

These diverse transmission systems reflect the automotive industry’s continuous innovation and the enduring appeal of manual gear shifting. While the prevalence of manual transmissions may be dwindling, the legacy of these unique systems lives on, cherished by enthusiasts, like us here at GR Auto Gallery, who appreciate the art of driving. The evolution of transmission technology showcases the industry's efforts to balance performance, convenience, and driver engagement.

For example, the development of Porsche’s PDK system represents a significant advancement in automatic transmission technology. The PDK offers lightning-fast gear changes and improved fuel efficiency, yet it also features a manual mode that allows drivers to take control when desired. This blend of technology and tradition highlights the ongoing evolution in the automotive world.

The history of transmissions is a testament to the ingenuity and creativity of automotive engineers. From the early days of manual gearboxes to the modern marvels of automatic and dual-clutch systems, the journey has been marked by constant innovation. Each unique transmission system has contributed to the rich history of the automobile, always offering drivers new ways to connect with their vehicles and the road.

As we look to the future, it's clear that transmission technology will continue to evolve, driven by advancements in engineering and a deeper understanding of driver needs. Whether through single gear drivetrains found in Koenigseggs or the commonly optioned ten speed automatic found in modern Ford vehicles, there will always be new and improved transmissions. Despite innovative automatic transmissions hitting the market, we aren’t sure any of them will provide a more satisfying driving experience than rowing your own gears. 

Consign with GR Auto Gallery

If you have a vehicle with a unique transmission and are considering selling it, our consignment team can help market your car to a global audience! With advertising on over forty different websites and professional sales representation, we have the expertise and experience to sell vehicles with even the weirdest of transmissions!