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 kinds 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 numerous interval evaluations, and the print advert shared beneath.
TWIN-STICK Transmission
An choice the economy-car Colt and Champ (which had been equivalent save for the grille inserts), TWIN-STICK was supplied as a substitute for the usual 4-speed handbook transmission and obtainable 5-speed handbook and 3-speed automated.
Per the advert, TWIN-STICK supplied Dodge Colt and Plymouth Champ the perfect of each phrases: Sporty enjoyable and frugal motoring.
Economic 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 stage that would shifted ahead into “Energy” mode, and downward into “Economic system.” These had been the one two settings for the additional stick. For routine driving a driver was inspired to maintain the automotive in Economic 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 will for a little bit of enjoyable strike, the driving force would nudge the TWIN-STICK stick into Energy mode, and revel in a freer-revving engine, and the facility that got here with these larger 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 Economic system, three of the ratios all the time stayed the identical, the simply successfully moved to the following notch on the shifter.
Actually Only a 5-Velocity
So, web impact: In Energy mode, you—the driving force—get a brand new decrease first gear (for launch energy), however lose the Economic system mode’s prime gear. In Economic 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 seemed cool, and by all accounts, was enjoyable to play with. And, at about $100, the elective 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 automobiles nonetheless shocked us with just a little technically pointless enjoyable. Click on right here for extra enjoyable classic-car advertisements, or right here for extra classic-car galleries and evaluations.
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Dodge Colt Footage
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