Transmission Types and History of Development

By Mister Transmission

From starting with manual transmissions, to the introduction of automatic transmissions in 1939 – learn about the evolution of the modern transmission.

The transmission in automobiles is a system of parts usually contained within a housing, connecting the engine to the wheels. Suitable torque, or turning force, is generated by the engine only within a narrow range of engine speeds, i.e., rates at which the crankshaft is turning. However, the wheels must turn with suitable torque over a wide range of speeds. While its speed is held roughly constant, the engine turns an input shaft on the transmission whose output shaft can be adjusted to turn the wheels at an appropriate speed.

Manual Transmission

The manual transmission is the simplest (and earliest) of transmissions, and consist of a system of interlocking gearwheels. These wheels are arranged so that by operating a lever the driver can choose one of several ratios of speed between the input shaft and the output shaft. These ratios are called gears, first gear being the arrangement that gives the lowest output speed, second gear the next lowest, and so forth. To allow smooth shifting from one gear to another, a clutch is provided to disengage the engine from the transmission. The commonly used dry single disk clutch has a steel disk with a friction lining that is sandwiched between a flywheel on the engine shaft and a pressure plate on the transmission input shaft. When the driver takes his foot off the clutch pedal, springs squeeze the friction disk into the space between the flywheel and the pressure plate, enabling the engine shaft to turn the transmission.

For many cars and for normal driving conditions a transmission with three forward gears and one reverse gear is sufficient. In cars having small engines transmissions with four or five forward speeds are used; racing cars often have as many as six forward speeds.

Synchromesh Transmission

A synchromesh transmission is a manual transmission in which all forward gear wheels are held in mesh at all times. Used on most American cars with a manual transmission, it allows the driver to shift gears more smoothly and makes the car run more quietly.

Automatic Transmission

The automatic transmission, introduced in 1939, switches to the optimum gear without driver intervention except for starting and going into reverse. The type of automatic transmission used on current American cars usually consists of a fluid device called a torque converter and a set of planetary gears. The torque converter transmits the engine’s power to the transmission using hydraulic fluid to make the connection. For more efficient operation at high speeds, a clutch plate is applied to create a direct mechanical connection between the transmission and the engine.

The introduction of microprocessor-controlled electronic sensors has enhanced the performance of automatic transmissions still more. Data about engine speed, exhaust pressure, and other performance characteristics are sent to a processor that controls the changing of gears and the clutch plate in the torque converter via electrical switches, or solenoids. New approaches to transmission design combine the best features of manual and automatic transmissions to provide more efficient ways of channeling engine power to the wheels.

Manumatic Transmission

A manumatic transmission is an automatic transmission with an added manual-shift mode; typically, a floor-mounted shifter offers an alternative selector path supplemented by buttons mounted on the steering wheel.

Continuously Variable Transmission

A continuously variable transmission (CVT) uses a belt that connects two variable-diameter pulleys to provide an unlimited number of ratio changes and uninterrupted power to the wheels; CVT transmissions offer better fuel efficiency than conventional automatic transmissions, which change the transmission ratio by shifting gears.

Sequential Manual Gearbox

A sequential manual gearbox (SMG), developed for Formula One cars, uses computer-controlled actuators to operate the clutch and change gears when prompted by the driver; both manual and automatic modes are possible, and there is no clutch pedal.

Dual Clutch Transmission

The dual clutch transmission (DCT), also called the direct shift gearbox (DSG), substitutes dual clutches for the conventional single-sided clutch to transfer power from the engine through two parallel paths; the gearbox features two sets of gears, identical to those in conventional manual transmissions—one set being the odd gears (1st, 3rd, 5th) and the other the even gears (2nd, 4th, 6th)—the gears must be shifted in sequence, and power to the wheels is never interrupted.

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Customer Reviews
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Azeez Al_zand
They are the best team ever and professional thank u guys again
Date: May 28, 2025
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Robin
Other shops were unwilling to assist with my transmission rebuild due to parts availability ('04 Mitsu Lancer Ralliart). Mister Transmission allowed me to purchase the parts kit needed (from the USA) and used it to complete the rebuild. The cost was fair and turnaround was very quick.
Date: May 27, 2025
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Good service, everything was done...
Kolya Berg
Good service, everything was done on time.
Date: May 27, 2025
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Other shops were unwilling to...
Robin
Other shops were unwilling to assist with my transmission rebuild due to parts availability ('04 Mitsu Lancer Ralliart). Mister Transmission allowed me to purchase the parts kit needed (from the USA) and used it to complete the rebuild. The cost was fair and turnaround was very quick.
Date: May 27, 2025
Website: Google
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Hayley Burrows
Very kind employees, great service! A lot of work done on my vehicle and I got it back in a short amount of time! Will come back again !
Date: May 27, 2025
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Just Me
I’m happy to have found this shop. Not only were they able to find the problem but were honest enough to let me know it wasn’t in fact my transmission!!
Date: May 27, 2025
Website: Google
Other shops were unwilling to...
Robin
Other shops were unwilling to assist with my transmission rebuild due to parts availability ('04 Mitsu Lancer Ralliart). Mister Transmission allowed me to purchase the parts kit needed (from the USA) and used it to complete the rebuild. The cost was fair and turnaround was very quick.
Date: May 27, 2025
Website: Google
Good service, the mechanic explain...
Diana Adames
Good service, the mechanic explain where was the problem. Change the filter and tramsmition oil very fast 2 hours for a BMW. Thank you, The only issue was they give me 2 different quotes with$200 differences.
Date: May 27, 2025
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A huge thank you to...
Mohan Cappuccino
A huge thank you to Denise and Shawn for their honesty and integrity. Went to their shop expecting to need a torque converter, after the dealership "diagnosed" the problem. Shawn ran his own tests and found that the problem was something else entirely, unrelated to the transmission. Didn't charge a dime and saved me big $$$ on a repair that wasn't needed. Wouldn't hesitate to go back if I ever DO need transmission work.
Date: May 26, 2025
Website: Google
Very good experience.
Gp Bezaire
Very good experience.
Date: May 26, 2025
Website: Google
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