Toyota Patent Could Prolong The Manual Movement

The manual gearbox isn't dead yet, and perhaps an unlikely carmaker could be pushing for it to continue on with a new patent.

Roadshow reports Toyota is looking to copy an idea used with some automatic transmissions, which allows the driveline to 'free-wheel' when not under load.

Using a clutch system, the driving wheels can then roll freely - for example, down a hill - saving fuel and lowering emissions.  

If Toyota's system comes to be, the free-wheeling auto idea could be applied to a manual gearbox.

It works in the same way your grandfather may have shifted to neutral while coasting downhill (swearing that the practice saved fuel).

When the system senses that the engine's power is not required to maintain momentum, an electronic device disengages the clutch to allow the engine to run at idle (or perhaps, not run at all).

Manuals