There are two different dual clutch technologies/types. Operational principles are similar. One most are familiar with are the dry clutch DCT, in Ford terminology, Power shift. The lesser known ones are the wet clutch version, found in the Focus TDCi, Mondeo Ecoboost and S-Max.

Dry clutch is more efficient than wet clutch as the clutch plate is not immersed in DCT fluid. This also means it is lighter. Note that dry clutch DCT uses 1.5L of fluid, vs wet clutch DCT's 6.25L.

Dry clutch DCT problems usually arise from heat. Heat will increase the risk of damage to the TCU. Seal failure may also allow the fluid to contaminate the clutch, rendering it slippery. BTW, drive the car hard to keep the clutch plates clean occasionally. Take it out for a long drive on the highway, use the manual shift button .

Wet clutch, yet to hear of any real problems. Spoilt, yes, by a tow truck operator dragging the car with front wheels on the ground....

For reference, Ford PowerShot DCT can handle up to 250Nm. Wet clutch can handle 450Nm.

When it works well, both types are very good. It's whether one knows how to optimise it's use.

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