pic: 971 Friction Clutch Transmission Insides

[AdamHeard]

Originally Posted by T^2

I don't understand this viewpoint. Yes, it's cool, but it feels like a solution in search of a problem.

This is half my opinion and half my recollection of conversations with Austin, so please don't hold Austin accountable for my statements.

They had a clear problem they wanted to solve. An effectively utilized autoshift function with properly picked low/high ratios could potentially shave seconds off each match (4-10 maybe?). This time saved isn't huge, but could amount to a 5-15% increase in scoring each season.

Both the dog and ball shifter do not shift instantly, and neither does this clutch method.However the clutch method does shift faster than the previous two, and with a smoother engagement; this better blends with their goal of smooth autoshifting.

You can debate whether or not their overall goal is valid or cost effective, but please don't say that it's a solution in search of a problem. Valid analysis and engineering went into this, and it wasn't created for the sake of coolness.