YES! Someone else who perceives things as I: shift rearward for UPshifts and forward for DOWNshifts.

P.S.

That will not likely happen.

I do think it’s probably better to be on the wheel but not attached TO the steering wheeel.

Once Ford has this in production and priced, buyers can figure out if the additional price is worth it. I’m not trashing Powershift, but it really wouldn’t hurt to have a sport mode at least.

I’ve wondered the same thing for a while now. CVTs are inherently less complex (mechanically), which leaves much less to wear & tear.

CVTs, in theory, should offer the best mileage, since the engine is always at optimal RPM. When they are developed to handle more power, (again theoretically) a CVT should be able to outperform any type of transmission; no shift delay whatsoever, optimal RPM up to top speed.

But, as far as the dual clutch design – since there are 2 clutches, wear is effectively reduced by half. Properly designed manuals can be found with OEM clutches sometimes past the 200,000 mile mark, if the driver drives right. Assuming no parts failure, the clutches in these DSGs should be able to outlast the actual transmission. Again, though, properly maintained & driven manuals can be found to last as long as the car.

I’d love to see a scientific study comparing a CVT and DSG on the same engine/car. Which lasts longer? Which can handle high RPMs longer? Which of the two can be driven harder? Also, what happens when they DO get damaged? Any failsafes? (I’m referring to known Auto transmissions that are known to drop to a low gear at high speeds locking tires and throwing cars all over the place, etc.)

Btw, the right method:
1. Shifter towards driver for manual mode
2. Shifter rearward for upshift, forward for downshift.

Looks like they’ve got it right here, as long as they do it mirror image for left-hand drive, to fulfill #1. I say bravo.

I thought the whole point was to improve fuel efficiency in an automatic transmission. The powershift improves mileage over a traditional automatic and is much smoother.

Complaining that it doesn’t improve performance seems contradictory to the typical lampooning an automaker will receive if they increase horsepower instead of fuel economy.

Justin already said it but VW’s DSG out accelerates its respective manual offering, delivers at least equivalent mileage and offers paddle shifters. The powershift does not. So why pay more for the powershift over the existing autobox.

“Ford’s first attempt at a dual-clutch transmission has come late, but perhaps all that extra development time has paid off – because the Focus Powershift is a truly impressive effort. By combining the point-and-go ease of a traditional automatic box with the performance, fuel economy and emissions of a manual, many will find the Powershift the perfect fit. The only drawbacks are the lack of a Sport mode – and that price!”

I’d like to know, from an engineer’s perspective, whether these would be more or less reliable than a CVT. Having seen a CVT’s internals, I’m inclined to prefer it’s inherent simplicity.