An automatic transmission makes driving easier, while a manual gearbox gives drivers more direct control over how power is delivered. But what if you could have the convenience of an automatic without giving up the mechanical simplicity of a manual? That's where the automated manual transmission, or AMT, comes in.
It's a type of gearbox that combines the basic architecture of a traditional stick shift with electronic systems that take care of clutch operation and gear changes. The idea behind an AMT is surprisingly straightforward. Instead of relying on a driver to operate the clutch pedal and move the gear lever, the transmission does everything itself. The result is a two-pedal driving experience that looks and feels similar to an automatic, although there are some important differences under the skin.
