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 types of enjoyable. First seen within the U.S. on the 1979 Mitsubishi-built Dodge Colt and Plymouth Champ, the sophisticated transmission association was the topic of quite a few interval opinions, and the print advert shared beneath.
TWIN-STICK Transmission
An possibility on the economy-car Colt and Champ (which have been an identical save for the grille inserts), TWIN-STICK was provided as a substitute for the usual 4-speed handbook transmission and obtainable 5-speed handbook and 3-speed automated.
Per the advert, TWIN-STICK provided the Dodge Colt and Plymouth Champ one of the best of each phrases: Sporty enjoyable and frugal motoring.
Financial system and Energy
Right here’s how the system labored: A TWIN-STICK-equipped automobile got here with a standard 4-speed handbook transmission, however was supplemented by a second degree that would shifted ahead into “Energy” mode, and downward into “Financial system.” These have been the one two settings for the additional stick. For routine commuting, a driver was inspired to maintain the automobile in Financial system mode, because the gear ratios in that setting favored permitting the engine to function at decrease speeds, thus utilizing much less gasoline.
Ought to the need for a little bit of enjoyable strike, the driving force would nudge the TWIN-STICK stick into Energy mode, and luxuriate in a freer-revving engine, and the ability that got here with these greater 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 ratio.
Right here’s why: The TWIN-STICK lever successfully modified the final-drive ratio (not likely, however bear with me), it did nothing for the transmissions 4 gears. So, in shifting from Energy to Financial system, three of the ratios at all times stayed the identical, the simply successfully moved to the subsequent notch on the shifter.
Actually Only a 5-Velocity
So, internet impact: In Energy mode, you—the driving force—get a brand new decrease first gear (for launch energy), however lose the Financial system mode’s high gear. In Financial system Mode, you lose the pull of the low first gear, however get the next high 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 optionally available transmission didn’t add a lot to the underside line. TWIN-STICK lasted till 1982 within the U.S., at which era the Colt was redesigned, and the Champ was dropped from the Plymouth lineup. Although TWIN-STICK was fully pointless, and an odd add to a bargain-car lineup, we applaud the trouble. We want vehicles nonetheless stunned us with a little bit technically pointless enjoyable. Click on right here for extra enjoyable classic-car adverts, or right here for extra classic-car galleries and opinions.
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Dodge Colt Photos
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