Electromechanical automatic transmission which utilizes the manual-type transmission design in order to eliminate the parasitic losses associated with the torque converter and the hydraulic controls of conventional automatic transmissions have been developed. Such electromechanical automatic transmissions are essentially an automated manual transmission that utilizes a dual clutch/dual input shaft layout. The layout is the equivalent of having two transmissions in one housing. Each transmission can be shifted and clutched independently. Uninterrupted power upshifting and downshifting between gears is available along with the high mechanical efficiency of a manual transmission being available in an automatic transmission. Significant increases in fuel economy and vehicle performance are achieved.
Both manual and electromechanical automatic transmission which utilizes the manual-type transmission design require a clutch assembly.