There are so many new technologies in the market for automated shifting, wondered if anyone could reflect on what is the optimal technological solution, single or dual clutch, continuously variable, torque converter with planetary gear set, and why?

Anyone care to forecast what will emerge as dominant solution in future? I've noted the new 9-speed ZF and increased offerings of CVT....

 

the far future will be all electric .........motor/trans/brakes etcimho

 

Electric indeed, gas engine will pass through electric motor then the wheels, if not all electric to start.

 

So let me further qualify my question.....
What is the optimal interim solution for gas or diesel,powered cars?

 

It depends.

If the driver requires "involvement", or if one's natural prejudices run against automatics, then of course a manual it is.

If the driver doesn't require "involvement", then PDK for gasoline and diesel powered vehicles is the optimal solution.

The shifting is automatic, to state the obvious, but the benefit is the engine/drivetrain and the car experiences less shock and wear and tear.

The risk of a money shift is eliminated.

Overall fuel economy will be better.

With regular fluid changes at or a bit more often than scheduled PDK transmissions should give long and trouble free service life.

 

I think an automated single or double clutch system is becoming more popular. I think that most see this option as an exotic and want to have one. So for the interim those who want sport will want one. Others who could care less will probably get a cvt is the future, ie for minvans and suvs. Manual transmissions are going away except on big rigs, and who know about those.