Comparison IMT Vs AMT
Intelligent Manual Transmission (IMT) improves manual gear shifts with automatic clutch control, while Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) fully automates both clutch and gear changes but may sacrifice refinement.
What is an iMT?
iMT stands for Intelligent Manual Transmission. This system simply removes the clutch pedal thus reducing a major point of interaction a driver has with the car. It relies on an intelligent intention sensor, hydraulic clutch actuator, and an electronic transmission control unit. This is then put together with a conventional H gearbox which in turn works with the engine of the car. To explain it in even simpler terms, the iMT transmission removes the clutch pedal and uses sensors to use the ‘in-built’ clutch while the power to change gears remains in the drivers’ hands.
What is an AMT?
AMT stands for Automated Manual Transmission. It is exactly as its name suggests – a transmission that automates manual transmission. AMT not only removes the clutch pedal like the iMT but also goes a step further to relieve the driver of the responsibility of shifting gears, thereby reducing user input to a bare minimum.
The AMT system works with the help of a series of sensors and mechanical parts that are being told what to do by the cars ECU (Electronic Control Unit), pre-programmed by respective automotive manufacturers. Sensors and actuators work together to engage the clutch and shift gears and therefore, the only true interaction the driver has is with the accelerator and brake pedal.
Driving Experience :
Once you start the car, press the clutch pedal, move the gear from neutral to first, slowly let the clutch go, and press the accelerator pedal to get the car moving. Then, depending on the RPM of your car and the terrain you’re driving on, you press the clutch, shift the gear to the next and repeat this process. Similarly, if you decrease your speed, you must use the clutch again and downshift.
When you use this understanding of manual transmissions to compare the iMT and AMT systems, one similarity you’ll find is the absence of a clutch pedal, which allows the driver to shift gears without pressing their left foot down on the clutch.
The difference in driving experience arises from the absence of a conventional H gearbox in an AMT. All you need to do in an AMT is start the car and move the gear-stick from Neutral to Drive and the car will automatically shift the gear from one to the next depending on your speed and the RPM your car is moving at. If you want to reverse the car, all you have to do is move the gear stick to reverse. You need not worry about pressing the clutch or shifting gears according to the circumstances of the road.
Thus, iMTs offer drivers greater control of their cars in terms of gear-shifting by letting them decide when to upshift or downshift. AMTs on the other hand offer peace of mind by automatically changing gears at speeds pre-defined by car manufacturers keeping in mind longevity and mileage.
It’s no doubt that AMTs make driving a breeze especially in peak hour traffic, but the downside to them on account of the automatic changing of gears is a slight lag that is felt in comparison to an iMT, where power is engaged the moment gear shift is initiated by the driver (similar to a manual transmission).
Cost:
An iMT has fewer components compared to an AMT, so the basic cost of manufacturing is quite similar to an AMT which is a much older technology refined over time. On maintenance, AMT is a little more expensive to maintain as the number of automated parts are more than an iMT, which in the longer run will cost less to maintain than a high end AMT transmission.
Milage:
Comparing an iMT to an AMT on the basis of mileage is simple. iMTs essentially are manual gear-shift cars with an automatic clutch, and therefore, on paper, have better mileage than manual cars. Nonetheless, fuel-efficiency of iMTs still depends largely on driving style and how frequently drivers’ are able to change gears at the ideal RPMs.
AMTs, on the other hand, come tuned from the factory to shift gears at the right time, to ensure consistent fuel efficiency.
An AMT, therefore, is a hands down winner in this department.
Related Reading: NEW TECHNOLOGY UPDATE - INTELLIGENT MANUAL TRANSMISSION (IMT)
