2020 Mustang GT500 TREMEC Dual-Clutch Transmission
Slideshow: Pushing out over 700 horsepower, Ford's new powerhouse Mustang GT500 needs a strong transmission to handle that power. TREMEC's new DCT might not be a manual, but it can handle the power Ford is putting down.
Trial by Fire
Ford recently announced the 2020 GT500, the most powerful Mustang to ever grace our plebeian eyes. While no manual transmission will be offered in the Camaro killer, the car does come with the first ever dual-clutch transmission offered in a Mustang. To handle the immense power, Ford turned to Plymouth, MI based company, TREMEC. The TREMEC® TR-9007 DCT 7-speed transmission is a newly developed high-performance gearbox seeing its first use in the new Ford Mustang. Quite the test pilot.
Photos: Jakob Hansen
Quick Facts
The TR-9007 is a seven forward speed, wet dual-clutch transmission with has a wide range of applications and two available gearing ratios. It is capable of handling rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive applications as well as a trans-axle orientation. It is also built for high-revving applications, withstanding over 10,000 RPM input speeds. Putting previous research and parts to good use, TREMEC has reduced overall cost and development time for the transmission, making it available for Ford to put it to good use.
One Size Fits All
The new transmission is meant for use in a variety of platforms, ranging from performance coupes to SUV’s. The concept behind the design of the TR-9007 is the capability to fit into several different vehicles without affecting the OEM design in any way. A compact, overt transmission casing makes it an easy drop into nearly any application. At just 786 mm (30.9 inches), the gearbox is compact enough to fit within modern car sizing constraints.
Keeping the Weight Off
A die-cast aluminum alloy case and integrated aluminum alloy clutch housing help keep the weight down. The transmission is competitively light, tipping in at 90 kg (198 lb). For comparison, one of the most used transmissions on sale today, the ZF 8HP (with an old school torque converter), weighs in at 87 kg (192 lb). The TR-9007 is capable of a maximum gross vehicle weight of 2,400 kg (5,291 lb). TREMEC pointed out this is not applicable to all applications, meaning the MGVW may increase or decrease dependant on the vehicle and gearing ratios.
Photo: TREMEC
Input Torque Rating
The TR-9007 is a high torque, high strength transmission. Input torque is rated at 900 Nm (664 lb-ft). Input torque is rated lower than the maximum torque capabilities of a transmission. Which is good. With Ford claiming over 700 horsepower, the supercharged 5.2l V8 will be sending gobs of twisting forces through the gears.
Multiple Available Drive Modes
The TREMEC DCT has several available drive modes programmed into the control unit to assist the driver in keeping the car at the most appropriate gearing for every possible situation. Modes include normal, slippery, sport, drag, and track. Driver controlled modes are also available through the Ford Track Apps, including line-lock and launch control.
It’s Not a Manual Tranmission
The discussion of manual being available or not in the GT500 has been thoroughly covered, however, it does appear the newest Mustang addition will not be available with a third pedal. While the demise of the manual transmission is a sad course of events, dual-clutch transmissions are objectively better in nearly every way. Firing off shifts in less than 100-milliseconds, no human can compete with a DCT. Driving with DCT’s has also become subjectively, fun. Grabbing the (magnesium) paddle, downshifting high into the powerband and pulling on anyone on the highway is quite fun. So is breaking hard into a corner, pulling on the paddle downshifting into the next gear with lightning fast shifts. It may be different than heel-toeing into a corner, but it’s still fun.
And, for information on maintenance and repairs for your Mustang, head on over to our How-Tos at MustangForums.com!