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74-555: The Holden Special is a mid-size car that was manufactured by Holden for Australasia . Introduced as the top-level trim in the new Holden FJ range of 1953, the Special was complemented by the entry-level Holden Standard and the mid-range Holden Business . The Business was in fact already available, introduced in July 1953 in the 48 series first seen in 1948. Three months later, the FJ

148-429: A clutchless manual , is a type of multi-speed automobile transmission system that is closely based on the mechanical design of a conventional manual transmission , and automates either the clutch system, the gear shifting, or both simultaneously, requiring partial, or no driver input or involvement. Earlier versions of these transmissions that are semi-automatic in operation, such as Autostick , control only

222-529: A 132.5 cubic inch six cylinder engine. Only three months after the introduction of the original Business, the 48 series was replaced by the revised FJ Business. This series also included a new trim level, the Special, which was positioned above the Business in terms of price and equipment level. The new Business was designated as model FJ-217. The FE series of July 1956 continued to offer Standard, Business and Special sedans but now featured new body styling,

296-403: A better equipped version of the basic Holden 48-215 series sedan introduced in 1948 and was specifically aimed at the taxi market. Improvements included passenger grab rails, door pull handles, seat kick plates, heavy-duty seats, floor mats, a heavy-duty battery and a boot lid handle. The Business Sedan was officially designated as model 48-215-257. Like the basic Holden sedan, it was powered by

370-508: A constant angular velocity while the vehicle moves at varying speeds. CVTs are used in cars , tractors , UTVs , motor scooters , snowmobiles , and earthmoving equipment . The most common type of CVT uses two pulleys connected by a belt or chain , however, several other designs have also been used. A dual-clutch transmission (DCT, sometimes referred to as a twin-clutch transmission , or double-clutch transmission ) uses two separate clutches for odd and even gear sets . The design

444-767: A face-lift, offering only minor improvements over the FE. The Business was designated the FC-217. The introduction of the FB series in January 1960 saw the Business sedan discontinued, leaving the Standard and the Special as the only Holden sedans for the first years of the new decade. Holden Produced 174,747 Holden FB's. The FB continued the General Motors Holden's (GMH) unique Australian mid-size GM offering, in contrast to

518-479: A form of manual transmission which removed the reliance on the driver's skill to achieve smooth gear shifts. The first automatic transmission using hydraulic fluid was developed in 1932 by two Brazilian engineers, José Braz Araripe and Fernando Lehly Lemos. The evolution towards mass-produced automatic transmissions continued with the 1933–1935 REO Motor Car Company Self-Shifter semi-automatic transmission, which automatically shifted between two forward gears in

592-449: A longer wheelbase (up 2 inches (51 mm) to 105 inches), a more powerful engine (up 10 bhp (7.5 kW) to 70 bhp), revised electrics, steering and interior trim. The Business sedan was designated as model FE-217. From March 1957 a station wagon body style was offered in the FE series, but only in Standard and Special trim. The revised FC series introduced in May 1958 was

666-413: A manual transmission. The 1904 Sturtevant "horseless carriage gearbox" is often considered to be the first automatic transmission for motor vehicles. At higher engine speeds, high gear was engaged. As the vehicle slowed down and engine speed decreased, the gearbox would shift back to low. However, the transmission was prone to sudden failure, due to the transmission being unable to withstand forces from

740-463: A patent was approved in the United States describing the operation of a transmission where the manual shifting of gears and manual operation of a clutch was eliminated. This patent was submitted by Henry R. Hoffman from Chicago and was titled: Automatic Gear Shift and Speed Control . The patent described the workings of such a transmission as "...having a series of clutches disposed intermediate

814-448: A separate transmission control unit . This allows for more precise control of shift points, shift quality, lower shift times and manual control. The first five-speed automatic was the ZF 5HP18 transmission , debuting in 1991 on various BMW models. The first six-speed automatic was the ZF 6HP26 transmission , which debuted in the 2002 BMW 7 Series (E65) . The first seven-speed automatic was

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888-647: Is a UK term and a part of the D-segment in the European car classification. Mid-size cars are manufactured in a variety of body styles, including sedans , coupes , station wagons , hatchbacks , and convertibles . Compact executive cars can also fall under the mid-size category. The automobile that defined this size in the United States was the Rambler Six that was introduced in 1956, although it

962-533: Is also noted as Holden's first export left hand drive car. The first of these cars being delivered to Hawaii. Introduced in May 1961, the Holden EK was essentially a cosmetic variation on the previous model the FB, with the addition of the first automatic transmission option factory-fitted to a Holden. 150,214 vehicles were produced. The Hydramatic was fully imported from the USA (used in many General Motors cars at

1036-577: Is attributed to the increasing number of electric and hybrid cars, and the ease of integrating it with safety systems such as Autonomous Emergency Braking . The efficiency, power output as a percentage of input, of conventional automatic transmissions ranges from 86 to 94%. Manual transmissions are more fuel efficient than all but the newest automatic transmissions due to their inherently low parasitic losses, typically of about 4%, in addition to being cheaper to make, lighter, better performing, and of simpler mechanical design. However, manual transmissions have

1110-521: Is connected to the engine via a torque converter (or a fluid coupling prior to the 1960s), instead of the friction clutch used by most manual transmissions . A hydraulic automatic transmission uses planetary gearsets instead of the manual transmission's design of gears lined up along input, output and intermediate shafts. To change gears, the hydraulic automatic uses a combination of internal clutches, friction bands or brake packs. These devices are used to lock certain gears, thus setting which gear ratio

1184-404: Is in use at a given time. A sprag clutch (a ratchet-like device which can freewheel and transmits torque in only one direction) is often used for routine gear shifts. The advantage of a sprag clutch is that it eliminates the sensitivity of timing a simultaneous clutch release/apply on two planetary gearsets, simply "taking up" the drivetrain load when actuated, and releasing automatically when

1258-452: Is integrated into the engine control unit (ECU). Modern designs have replaced the centrifugal governor with an electronic speed sensor that is used as an input to the TCU or ECU. Modern transmissions also factor in the amount of load on an engine at any given time, which is determined from either the throttle position or the amount of intake manifold vacuum. The multitude of parts, along with

1332-457: Is not possible to push start a vehicle equipped with an automatic transmission with no rear pump (aside from several automatics built prior to 1970, which also included a rear pump for towing and push-starting purposes). The pressure of the ATF is regulated by a governor connected to the output shaft, which varies the pressure depending on the vehicle speed. The valve body inside the transmission

1406-565: Is often considered to be the first true automatic transmission. The first mass-produced automatic transmission is the General Motors Hydramatic four-speed hydraulic automatic, which was introduced in 1939. Automatic transmissions are also found in some heavy commercial vehicles, particularly those which are subject to intense stop/start operation such as buses and waste collection vehicles . Vehicles with internal combustion engines, unlike electric vehicles, require

1480-513: Is often similar to two separate manual transmissions with their respective clutches contained within one housing, and working as one unit. In most car and truck applications, the DCT functions as an automatic transmission, requiring no driver input to change gears. The first DCT to reach production was the Easidrive automatic transmission introduced on the 1961 Hillman Minx mid-size car. This

1554-450: Is pressurized by a pump and then directed to the appropriate bands/clutches to obtain the required gear ratio. The ATF provides lubrication, corrosion prevention, and a hydraulic medium to transmit the power required to operate the transmission. Made from petroleum with various refinements and additives, ATF is one of the few parts of the automatic transmission that needs routine service as the vehicle ages. The main pump which pressurises

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1628-403: Is responsible for directing hydraulic pressure to the appropriate bands and clutches. It receives pressurized fluid from the main pump and consists of several spring-loaded valves, check balls, and servo pistons. In older automatic transmissions, the valves use the pump pressure and the pressure from a centrifugal governor on the output side (as well as other inputs, such as throttle position or

1702-633: The Holden utility and panel van . From March 1957 the sedan , utility and panel van body styles were complemented by a new five-door station wagon . The wagon was marketed as the "Station Sedan" in both Standard and Special trim levels. The Business sedan was omitted from the Holden lineup in mid-1959, during the FC production run, leaving just the Standard and Special. However, in 1962 the Holden Premier

1776-633: The Mercedes-Benz 7G-Tronic transmission , which debuted a year later. In 2007, the first eight-speed transmission to reach production was the Toyota AA80E transmission . The first nine-speed and ten-speed transmissions were the 2013 ZF 9HP transmission and 2017 Toyota Direct Shift-10A (used in the Lexus LC ) respectively. The gear selector is the input by which the driver selects the operating mode of an automatic transmission. Traditionally

1850-475: The clutch system automatically — and use different forms of actuation (usually via an actuator or servo ) to automate the clutch, but still require the driver's input and full control to manually actuate gear changes by hand. Modern versions of these systems that are fully automatic in operation, such as Selespeed and Easytronic , require no driver input over gear changes or clutch operation. Semi-automatic versions require only partial driver input (i.e.,

1924-654: The "Forward" mode (or between two shorter gear ratios in the "Emergency low" mode). Driver involvement was still required during normal driving, since standing starts required the driver to use the clutch pedal. This was followed in 1937 by the Oldsmobile Automatic Safety Transmission . Similar in operation to the REO Self-Shifter , the Automatic Safety Transmission shifted automatically between

1998-577: The "big cars of the future." By 1978, General Motors made its intermediate models smaller. New "official" size designations in the U.S. were introduced by the EPA , which defined market segments by passenger and cargo space. Formerly mid-sized cars that were built on the same platform, like the AMC Matador sedan, had a combined passenger and cargo volume of 130 cubic feet (3.68 m ), and were now considered "full-size" automobiles. Cars that defined

2072-430: The 1962 Ford Fairlane was viewed by consumers as too close to the compact Falcon in size and performance as well as too close to the full-sized Ford models in price. It was the introduction of General Motors " senior compacts " that grew the mid-size market segment as the line of cars themselves kept increasing in size. By 1965, these GM "A platform" mid-size models matched the size of 1955 full-size cars. During

2146-416: The 1970s, the intermediate class in the U.S. was generally defined as vehicles with wheelbases between 112 inches (2,845 mm) and 118 inches (2,997 mm). Once again, the cars grew and by 1974 they were "about as large as the full-size cars of a decade or so ago ... best sellers include Ford Torino , Chevrolet Chevelle , AMC Matador , Plymouth Satellite ..." The domestic manufacturers began changing

2220-424: The 1980s, automatic transmissions with four gear ratios became increasingly common, and many were equipped with lock-up torque convertors in order to improve fuel economy. Electronics began to be more commonly used to control the transmission, replacing mechanical control methods such as spring-loaded valves in the valve body. Most systems use solenoids which are controlled by either the engine control unit , or

2294-406: The 1990s, systems to manually request a specific gear or an upshift/downshift have become more common. These manumatic transmissions offer the driver greater control over the gear selection that the traditional modes to restrict the transmission to the lower gears. Use of the manumatic functions are typically achieved either via paddles located beside the steering column, or "+" and "-" controls on

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2368-425: The ATF is typically a gear pump mounted between the torque converter and the planetary gear set. The input for the main pump is connected to the torque converter housing, which in turn is bolted to the engine's flexplate, so the pump provides pressure whenever the engine is running. A disadvantage of this arrangement is that there is no oil pressure to operate the transmission when the engine is not running, therefore it

2442-534: The Corvair. Most cars use a "P–R–N–D–L" layout for the gear selector, which consists of the following positions: Some automatic transmissions, especially by General Motors from 1940 to 1964, used a layout with reverse as the bottom position (e.g. N–D–L–R or P–N–D–L–R). Many transmissions also include positions to restrict the gear selection to the lower gears and engages the engine brake . These positions are often labelled "L" (low gear), "S" (second gear) or

2516-435: The FB trim splitting at the seams quite easily, with the horizontal mid seat seam trim join. Holden also added a new grille, plenum chamber (Wiper Vent) cover, larger bumper bar over-riders, wider rear-view mirror, different badging and side trim style. In 1962, Holden launched a completely new, lower-profile streamlined body with more interior space, new foam-padded seating and better all-round visibility. The "Premier" model

2590-616: The Hydra-Matic included a wide spread of ratios (allowing both good acceleration in first gear and cruising at low engine speed in top gear) and the fluid coupling handling only a portion of the engine's torque in the top two gears (increasing fuel economy in those gears, similar to a lock-up torque converter). Use of the Hydra-Matic spread to other General Motors brands and then to other manufacturers starting 1948 including Hudson , Lincoln , Kaiser , Nash , Holden (Australia), as well as Rolls-Royce and Bentley licensing production in

2664-574: The Premier models. Six months after the launch of the HR, all models were given a safety upgrade with the addition of front safety belts, windscreen washers, reversing lights, padded sun visors and a shatterproof interior rearview mirror. Mid-size car Mid-size —also known as intermediate —is a vehicle size class which originated in the United States and is used for cars larger than compact cars and smaller than full-size cars . "Large family car"

2738-578: The UK and providing the transmission to Jensen Motors , Armstrong Siddeley and other UK manufacturers. During World War II, the Hydra-Matic was used in some military vehicles. The first automatic transmission to use a torque converter (instead of a fluid coupling) was the Buick Dynaflow , which was introduced for the 1948 model year. In normal driving, the Dynaflow used only the top gear, relying on

2812-725: The United States had automatic transmissions. Automatic transmissions have been standard in large cars since at least 1974. By 2020 only 2.4% of new cars had manual transmissions. Historically, automatic transmissions were less efficient, but lower fuel prices in the US made this less of a problem than in Europe. In the United Kingdom, a majority of new cars have had automatic transmissions since 2020. Several manufacturers including Mercedes and Volvo no longer sell cars with manual transmissions. The growing prevalence of automatic transmissions

2886-429: The abrupt gear changes. The adoption of planetary gearsets was a significant advance towards the modern automatic transmission. One of the first transmissions to use this design was the manual transmission fitted to the 1901–1904 Wilson-Pilcher automobile. This transmission was built in the United Kingdom and used two epicyclic gears to provide four gear ratios. A foot clutch was used for standing starts, gear selection

2960-579: The combined passenger and cargo volume, mid-size cars are defined as having an interior volume index of 110–119 cu ft (3.1–3.4 m ). Automatic transmission The most common type of automatic transmission is the hydraulic automatic , which uses a planetary (epicyclic) gearset , hydraulic controls , and a torque converter . Other types of automatic transmissions include continuously variable transmissions (CVT), automated manual transmissions (AMT), and dual-clutch transmissions (DCT). The 1904 Sturtevant "horseless carriage gearbox"

3034-401: The complex design of the valve body, originally made hydraulic automatic transmissions much more expensive and time-consuming to build and repair than manual transmissions; however mass-production and developments over time have reduced this cost gap. To provide coupling and decoupling of the engine, a modern automatic transmission uses a torque converter instead of the friction clutch used in

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3108-678: The definition of "medium" as they developed new models for an evolving market place. A turning point occurred in the late 1970s, when rising fuel costs and government fuel economy regulations caused all car classes to shrink, and in many cases to blur. Automakers moved previously "full-size" nameplates to smaller platforms such as the Ford LTD II and the Plymouth Fury . A comparison test by Popular Science of four intermediate sedans (the 1976 AMC Matador, Chevrolet Malibu , Ford Torino, and Dodge Coronet ) predicted that these will be

3182-403: The disadvantage of requiring the driver to operate the clutch and change the gear whenever required. Fuel economy of course worsens with lower efficiency. Real-world tests reported in 2022 found that in typical driving manual transmissions achieved 2 to 5% better fuel economy than automatics, increasing to 20% with an expert driver. Some laboratory tests show automatics in a better light due to

3256-446: The driver locking out the higher gears) to control which ratio is selected. As the vehicle and engine change speed, the difference between the pressures changes, causing different sets of valves to open and close. In more recent automatic transmissions, the valves are controlled by solenoids . These solenoids are computer-controlled, with the gear selection decided by a dedicated transmission control unit (TCU) or sometimes this function

3330-402: The driver must change gears manually), while fully automatic versions require no manual driver input, whatsoever ( TCU or ECU operates both the clutch system and gear shifts automatically). Modern automated manual transmissions (AMT) have their roots and origins in older clutchless manual transmissions that began to appear on mass-production automobiles in the early 1930s and 1940s, prior to

3404-567: The end of the Nitrocellulose Lacquer (Duco) finishes. These early model FBs are very sought after in their original paint, as Holden introduced the "Magic Mirror" Acrylic finished in May 1960. With these change came new colours. Out were Nitro colours, Alpine Blue, Arctic Beige, Belmont Green, Biscay Green, Buckskin, Corana Grey, Desert Glow, Fernando Yellow, Lucerne Blue, Mandan Red, Raphael Ivory, Royal Glow, Sandstone Beige. All very rare colours to find on an FB Holden today, due to

3478-411: The engine shaft and the differential shaft and in which the clutches are arranged to selectively engage and drive the differential shaft dependent upon the speed at which the differential shaft rotates". However, it would be over a decade later until automatic transmissions were produced in significant quantities. In the meantime, several European and British manufacturers would use preselector gearboxes ,

3552-494: The engine to operate in a narrow range of rates of rotation, requiring a gearbox, operated manually or automatically, to drive the wheels over a wide range of speeds. Globally, 43% of new cars produced in 2015 were manual transmissions, falling to 37% by 2020. Automatic transmissions have long been prevalent in the United States, but only started to become common in Europe much later. In Europe in 1997, only 10–12% of cars had automatic transmissions. In 1957 over 80% of new cars in

3626-591: The first mass-produced automatic transmission following its introduction in 1939 (1940 model year). Available as an option in cars such as the Oldsmobile Series 60 and Cadillac Sixty Special , the Hydra-Matic combined a fluid coupling with three hydraulically controlled planetary gearsets to produce four forward speeds plus reverse. The transmission was sensitive to engine throttle position and road speed, producing fully automatic up- and down-shifting that varied according to operating conditions. Features of

3700-557: The first time on a Holden model  and the optional Hydramatic three–speed automatic transmission as used in the EH was replaced by a Powerglide two– speed unit. The HR was introduced in 1966, featuring a revised grille, a reworked roofline and larger rear window (on the sedans), revised rear lights (on sedans and wagons) and changes to almost all exterior body panels. Other changes included revised ball joint front suspension, widened track, improved interior trim and woodgrain interior finish for

3774-418: The five-month production window. On the subject of windows, the FB had 27 percent more glass area than the previous Holden the FC. The FB was also lower wider and longer than the FC. The Holden FB panel van proved to be a big hit in the commercial sectors. The new 1960 FB panel van was the first Holden with a high roof. The FC Holden van was more or less a windowless station wagon in comparison. Holden FB

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3848-433: The gear selector is located between the two front seats or on the steering column, however electronic rotary dials and push-buttons have also been occasionally used since the 1980s, as well as push buttons having been used in the 1950s and 1960s by Rambler (automobile) , Edsel , and most famously, by Chrysler . A few automobiles employed a lever on the instrument panel, such as the 1955 Chrysler Corporation cars, and notably,

3922-401: The gear selector. Some cars offer drivers both methods to request a manual gear selection. A continuously variable transmission (CVT) can change seamlessly through a continuous (infinite) range of gear ratios, compared with other automatic transmissions that provide a limited number of gear ratios in fixed steps. The flexibility of a CVT with suitable control may allow the engine to operate at

3996-406: The introduction of hydraulic automatic transmissions. These systems were designed to reduce the amount of clutch or gear shifter usage required by the driver. These devices were intended to reduce the difficulty of operating conventional unsynchronised manual transmissions ("crash gearboxes") that were commonly used at the time, especially in stop-start driving. An early example of this transmission

4070-731: The larger American, or smaller English variants. With predominantly US design features such as the FB's rear pointed twin fins, wrap around windscreen A-pillar, and new American Style dashboard with speedo featuring an orange-coloured indicator band instead of a needle pointer. The Holden FB and larger US variants such as the Chevrolet and Pontiac had a lot in common. The FB Holden was manufactured with four common body styles. The Special sedan (model FB/225), Special station wagon (model FB/229), Standard sedan (model FB/215), Standard station wagon (model FB/219), Standard panel van (model FB/2104) and standard utility (model FB/2106). The FB Holden also saw

4144-818: The mid-size market in the 1980s and 1990s included the Chrysler K-Cars ( Dodge Aries and Plymouth Reliant ), the Ford Taurus , and the Toyota Camry , which was upsized into the midsize class in 1991. The Taurus and Camry came to define the mid-size market for decades. Mid-size cars were the most popular category of cars sold in the United States, with 27.4 percent during the first half of 2012, ahead of crossovers at 19 percent. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Fuel Economy Regulations for 1977 and Later Model Year (dated July 1996) includes definitions for classes of automobiles. Based on

4218-489: The new "Red" engine, with a 7 main bearing crankshaft instead of the 4 main bearing crankshaft used in the "Grey" engine. The HD was introduced in 1965. It had a completely new body, which was wider and longer than that of the EH and offered significant increases in passenger space, load space and equipment levels. Body styling exhibited strong similarities to Vauxhall's FC Victor of the previous year, including that car's unusual concave rear window. Disc brakes were offered for

4292-443: The next gear's sprag clutch assumes the torque transfer. The friction bands are often used for manually selected gears (such as low range or reverse) and operate on the planetary drum's circumference. Bands are not applied when the drive/overdrive range is selected, the torque being transmitted by the sprag clutches instead. The aforementioned friction bands and clutches are controlled using automatic transmission fluid (ATF), which

4366-681: The number of the highest gear used in that position (eg 3, 2 or 1). If these positions are engaged at a time when it would result in excessive engine speed, many modern transmissions disregard the selector position and remain in the higher gear. In descending order of the highest gear available: Many modern transmissions include modes to adjust the shift logic to prefer either power or fuel economy . "Sport" (also called "Power" or "Performance") modes cause gear shifts to occur at higher engine speeds, allowing higher acceleration. "Economy" (also called "Eco" or "Comfort") modes cause gear shifts to occur at lower engine speeds to reduce fuel consumption. Since

4440-424: The tests using a prescribed shifting pattern for manuals not always optimized for economy. However, on long highway journeys manual transmissions require maintaining a very specific cruising speed to optimise economy, making automatics preferable. The most common design of automatic transmissions is the hydraulic automatic, which typically uses planetary gearsets that are operated using hydraulics. The transmission

4514-547: The time). The Hydramatic transmission was generally limited to the Special sedan (EK/225) and Special station sedan (EK/229); however, some examples of dealer orders for automatic transmissions exist with one known standard sedan (EK/215) Hydramatic ( Snowcrest White , body no. 57, Sydney) with delivery paperwork to authenticate. Further changes included the updating to electric windshield wipers (the previous model FB used vacuum wipers). The other changes were more cosmetic. Holden implemented stronger seat material "ElastoFab" due to

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4588-622: The torque multiplication of the torque convertor at lower speeds. The Dynaflow was followed by the Packard Ultramatic in mid-1949 and the Chevrolet Powerglide for the 1950 model year. Each of these transmissions had only two forward speeds, relying on the converter for additional torque multiplication. In the early 1950s, BorgWarner developed a series of three-speed torque converter automatics for car manufacturers such as American Motors, Ford and Studebaker. Chrysler

4662-441: The two gear ratios available in the "Low" and "High" ranges and the clutch pedal was required for standing starts. It used a planetary gearset. The Chrysler Fluid Drive , introduced in 1939, was an optional addition to manual transmissions where a fluid coupling (similar to a torque-convertor, but without the torque multiplication) was added, to avoid the need to operate a manual clutch. The General Motors Hydra-Matic became

4736-418: Was among the first to have the basic gear selections ( park , reverse , neutral , drive , low ) which became the standard gear selection used for several decades. By the late 1960s, most of the fluid-coupling two-speed and four-speed transmissions had disappeared in favor of three-speed units with torque converters. Also around this time, whale oil was removed from the automatic transmission fluid. During

4810-520: Was called a "compact" car at that time. Much smaller than any standard contemporary full-size cars, it was called a compact to distinguish it from the small imported cars that were being introduced into the marketplace. By the early 1960s, the car was renamed the Rambler Classic and while it retained its basic dimensions, it was now competing with an array of new "intermediate" models from General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler. The introduction of

4884-644: Was called the Controlled Coupling Hydra-Matic , or "Jetaway" transmission. The original Hydra-Matic remained in production until the mid-1960s at GM, with the licensed Rolls-Royce Automatic transmission soldiering on until 1978 on the Rolls-Royce Phantom VI . In 1964, General Motors released a new transmission, the Turbo Hydramatic , a three-speed transmission which used a torque convertor. The Turbo Hydramatic

4958-506: Was followed by various eastern European tractors through the 1970s (using manual operation via a single clutch pedal), then the Porsche 962 C racing car in 1985. The first DCT of the modern era was used in the 2003 Volkswagen Golf R32 . Since the late 2000s, DCTs have become increasingly widespread, and have supplanted hydraulic automatic transmissions in various models of cars. Automated manual transmission (AMT) , sometimes referred to as

5032-416: Was introduced and the name "Premier", was to be identified with luxury Classic Holden Cars for 16 years. The EJ Premier, first with standard metallic paint and auto transmission, offered leather trim bucket seats, heater, carpet, floor console and whitewalls. The EJ had Duo Servo brakes, strengthened front suspension, safety belt anchorages. The EH was introduced in 1963 and was the first Holden to incorporate

5106-541: Was introduced in the 1955 Citroën DS , which used a 4-speed BVH transmission. This semi-automatic transmission used an automated clutch, which was actuated using hydraulics . Gear selection also used hydraulics , however, the gear ratio needs to be manually selected by the driver. This system was nicknamed Citro-Matic in the U.S. The first modern AMTs were introduced by BMW and Ferrari in 1997, with their SMG and F1 transmissions, respectively. Both systems used hydraulic actuators and electrical solenoids , and

5180-639: Was introduced with the Hudson Commodore in 1942, called Drive-Master . This unit was an early semi-automatic transmission , based on the design of a conventional manual transmission, which used a servo -controlled vacuum -operated clutch system, with three different gear shifting modes, at the touch of a button; manual shifting and manual clutch operation (fully manual), manual shifting with automated clutch operation (semi-automatic), and automatic shifting with automatic clutch operation (fully automatic). Another early example of this transmission system

5254-591: Was introduced with the EJ series, becoming the new flagship, with the Special assigned as the mid-range Holden. This model trio continued until the 1968 HK series . The Standard became the Belmont , the Special the Kingswood , with the Premier staying as is. A new extended-length Brougham also joined the line-up, becoming Holden's topline offering. The Business was introduced in July 1953, in four-door sedan form only, as

5328-410: Was introduced, therefore forming a three-model lineup based around one car. A "Standard"-type variant also existed in the 48 series, but had been marketed simply as the "Holden". There were also coupé utility and panel van variants, introduced in 1951 (48) and 1953 (FJ) respectively. These were both based on the Standard, although neither were badged this way. Collectively, the two cars were known as

5402-548: Was late in developing its own true automatic, introducing the two-speed torque converter PowerFlite in 1953, and the three-speed TorqueFlite in 1956. The latter was the first to utilize the Simpson compound planetary gearset. In 1956, the General Motors Hydra-Matic (which still used a fluid coupling) was redesigned based around the use of two fluid couplings to provide smoother shifts. This transmission

5476-551: Was using a hand lever, helical gears were used (to reduce noise) and the gears used a constant-mesh design. A planetary gearset was also used in the 1908 Ford Model T , which was fitted with a two-speed manual transmission (without helical gears). An early patent for the automatic transmission was granted to Canadian inventor Alfred Horner Munro of Regina in 1923. Being a steam engineer, Munro designed his device to use compressed air rather than hydraulic fluid , and so it lacked power and never found commercial application. In 1923,

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