The promise of an 8-speed handbook transmission.
1979 Dodge Colt and Plymouth Champ
It was referred to as TWIN-STICK, and it was foolish, gimmicky, technically pointless, and by most accounts, all types of enjoyable. First seen within the U.S. on the 1979 Mitsubishi-built Dodge Colt and Plymouth Champ, the difficult transmission association was the topic of various interval opinions, and the print advert shared beneath.
TWIN-STICK Transmission
An choice the economy-car Colt and Champ (which had been an identical save for the grille inserts), TWIN-STICK was provided as an alternative choice to the usual 4-speed handbook transmission and accessible 5-speed handbook and 3-speed automated.
Per the advert, TWIN-STICK provided Dodge Colt and Plymouth Champ the perfect of each phrases: Sporty enjoyable and frugal motoring.
Financial system and Energy
Right here’s how the system labored: A TWIN-STICK-equipped automotive got here with a standard 4-speed handbook transmission, however was supplemented by a second degree that might shifted ahead into “Energy” mode, and downward into “Financial system.” These had been the one two settings for the additional stick. For routine driving a driver was inspired to maintain the automotive in Financial system mode, because the gear rations in that setting favored permitting the engine to function at decrease speeds, thus utilizing much less gasoline.
Ought to the need for a little bit of enjoyable strike, the motive force would nudge the TWIN-STICK stick into Energy mode, and revel in a freer-revving engine, and the ability that got here with these greater RPMs.
How TWIN-STICK Labored
Right here’s the factor: Regardless of the advert’s declare that TWIN-STICK introduced with it 8 gears—which is sorta, kinda, true—the system solely added one actual gear ration.
Right here’s why: The TWIN-STICK lever successfully modified the final-drive ratio (probably not, however bear with me), it did nothing for the transmissions 4 gears. So, in shifting from Energy to Financial system, three of the ratios at all times stayed the identical, the simply successfully moved to the following notch on the shifter.
Actually Only a 5-Velocity
So, internet impact: In Energy mode, you—the motive force—get a brand new decrease first gear (for launch energy), however lose the Financial system mode’s prime gear. In Financial system Mode, you lose the pull of the low first gear, however get a better prime gear, for higher mileage. In routine driving, none of that is going to matter a lot, cool because the TWIN-STICK system could appear.
TWIN-STICK was Low cost
However, TWIN-STICK regarded cool, and by all accounts, was enjoyable to play with. And, at about $100, the optionally available transmission didn’t add a lot to the underside line. TWIN-STICK lasted till 1982 within the U.S., at which period Colt was redesigned, and the Champ was dropped from the Plymouth lineup. Although TWIN-STICK was utterly pointless, and an odd add to a bargain-car lineup, we applaud the hassle. We want vehicles nonetheless stunned us with slightly technically pointless enjoyable. Click on right here for extra enjoyable classic-car advertisementsor right here for extra classic-car galleries and opinions.
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Dodge Colt Photos
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