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.
Benefits of Intelligent Manual Transmission(IMT) :
In this way you have complete control over what gear your car is in and you don’t have to rely on the software getting it right. Thus, in situations like coming down a slope or overtaking, you have full control over the gearbox and you know the car will not second guess you. And this is of course without the headache of operating the clutch.
Another advantage is that by using fewer parts than an AMT (as there are no actuators for the gears required), the cost of an iMT is also closer to that of a regular manual.
Limitations of an iMT :
Yes. Just like an AMT, gearshifts aren’t as smooth as the system relies on a single clutch that has to be modulated by an actuator. On a side note, this is where a dual-clutch auto transmission comes in - in principle, it is similar to a regular manual gearbox, but comes with two clutches (Dual Dry Clutch / Dual Wet Clutch) to enable quicker, smoother shifts.
Inorder to overcome this limitation of iMT, We at Valeo offer DDC / DWC technology clutches to have a smooth shifting and offer continuous transmission of engine power, with minimum torque loss during gear change.
Valeo being a pioneer and world leader in new technology clutch transmission systems, design, develop and supply to the global OEMs with these Dual clutch (DDC/DWC) solutions.
To know more about dual clutch technology
