CVT VS Dual clutch? same or different?

[RAwannabe]

sorry ab the noob question, I know my cj has CVT but what is Dual clutch? aren't they the same thing?

[ofey]

Nope They're entirely different.

In simpleton terms, CVT is deployed using a pulley system.

A Dual clutch as the name suggests always has 2 gears ready to go (one up and one down) depending on the need for the car.

Watch these youtube videos:

2008 Lancer CVT

DCT Dual Clutch Transmission

The generic evolution has been:

Manual gears -> Basic Auto -> Tiptronic Auto -> CVT -> DCT

So Dual clutch is really the way of the future. CVT is an interim solution.

[aspir3]

The CVT is an automatic gear box which works off 2 tapered cones connected by a steel belt. The belt slides up and down the cones to get different gear ratios.

I believe the SST is more a tradition manual gear box with automatic clutches. The twin clutches help for speed and smoothness.

The 2 are completely different in design and purpose.

[SAM-24A]

Here Andrew, take a look at this, it's a lot easier to understand.

It's a Dodge CVT which is identical to the CVT used in the current Mitsu Lancers.
Basic CVT Operation

Alternatively you can download this video from Bosch an save it on your PC
Bosch CVT Animation (20.9MB Download)

Hope this helps you better understand the inner workings of your CVT Andrew.

Sam.