TC-SST uses dual-
clutches to change gears. The TC-SST completes the clutch and gear shifts more quickly than a driver could in a conventional
manual transmission, and is also quicker than either an
automatic transmission with a
torque converter, or a single-clutch
automated manual transmission. The operation of TC-SST is smoother than that of a conventional automatic transmission because it uses clutches instead of a
torque converter to transmit power. The odd and even gear shafts are linked via a
transfer gear, resulting in a shorter overall transmission length. The transmission
electronic control unit (ECU), sensors, and
solenoids, are all housed within the
transmission valve body. The TC-SST is equipped with a transmission
oil-cooler, and uses a synthetic fluid, designed for twin-clutch transmissions (see owner's manual).
Drive modes TC-SST allows switching between three shifting programmes: "Normal", which uses relatively low engine-speed shift points to deliver conservative shifting biased towards optimized fuel economy; "Sport", for use when driving in the mountains or when
engine braking is required; and "S-Sport", which keeps the engine turning at even higher
revs compared to "Sport". "
Launch control" is also available only in "S-Sport" mode. Note: "S-Sport" is only available from the factory on Evolution X MR editions and not on the TC-SST found in later Lancer Ralliart models, which makes do with Normal and Sport modes. Towards the end of 2012, however, aftermarket car tuners figured out how to successfully flash/reflash (see
Chip tuning for details) the Lancer Ralliart's
Transmission control unit with the Evolution X MR's transmission software, giving the Lancer Ralliart "S-Sport mode", which includes higher RPM engine operation and launch control. Debate still exists, however, regarding whether or not the different 5th and 6th gear ratios found in the Ralliart transmission (when compared to the Evo X MR TC-SST, see gear ratios below) adds extra mechanical stress to an "S-Sport Mode" flashed Ralliart Transmission.
Gear ratios for Lancer Evolution X MR (Source: "2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo MR: TC-SST Gearing", Brent Romans, Inside Line, August 21, 2008) Gear ratios for Lancer Ralliart (Source: "2014 Mitsubishi Lancer-Ralliart Specifications") ==Applications==