Lotus Files UK Patent For Lighter, More Compact Dual-Clutch Transmission

Lotus, Proton's subsidiary company, has filed a patent application for a dual-clutch transmission, jumping onto the dual-clutch bandwagon which includes high-end automakers like Ferrari and mainstream automakers like Volkswagen, the company which first rolled out the gearbox technology.

Filed with the U.K. patent office, the application reveals a lighter, more compact transmission design with seven forward gears and one reverse gear. Lotus Cars engineer James Turner reportedly wrote in the application: “There is a need for a more compact design of transmission unit, with fewer parts”.

Lotus has not officially announced plans to introduce a dual-clutch gearbox in any of its future lineup, although there is a strong possibility that the upcoming Elise and Esprit successor could be fitted with the patented seven-speed semi-automatic gearbox.

AboutSeow Yaohan

Seow Yao Han strives to bring you the latest and the most comprehensive information on cars available in Malaysia. But it's never easy for him to talk and write cars in this part of the world because what you lust after is often not what you drive home. When the euphoria of test-driving that branded, super-expensive sports car dies down, he just goes home in his less-than-glamorous ride.