Clever new gearbox for Volvo and Ford

• Twin-clutch gearbox apes VW's DSG
• Should be available in around two years
• Porsche developing similar gearbox, too

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Volvo has revealed that a new twin-clutch gearbox is on the way for its cars and says the 'box will also be used in parent company Ford models.

The new transmission is similar to the Direct Shift Gearbox from the Volkswagen Group in that it features a pair of clutch plates so the next gear needed can be prepared while one is already engaged.

If Volvo and Ford have done their work right, it should provide the same fast, smooth shifts as the DSG transmission. Like the DSG gearbox, it could also match, possibly even better, the fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions of conventional manuals.

Porsche is also developing a twin-clutch gearbox to replace its existing Tiptronic system.