9DCT400 – The World's First Publicly Released Transverse 9-Speed Wet Dual-Clutch Transmission
9DCT400 – The World's First Publicly Released Transverse 9-Speed Wet Dual-Clutch Transmission
A Transmission That Redefines the Rules
For years, the automotive industry believed that a transverse 9-speed dual-clutch transmission was impossible. The transverse engine bay simply didn’t offer enough space for the additional gear sets and clutches required.
GWM proved them wrong.
The 9DCT400 is the world's first publicly released transverse 9-speed wet dual-clutch transmission. Developed entirely in-house by GWM's powertrain division, it represents a landmark achievement in automotive engineering – a transmission that delivers more gears, higher torque capacity, and better efficiency than its predecessor, all within the same physical footprint.
This is not simply a 7DCT with two extra gears added. It is a ground-up redesign based on a brabd new architecture, engineered to support high-end vehicle platforms with the performance, refinement, and efficiency that premium brands demand.
Why This Transmission Matters?
More Gears, Same Space
The 9DCT400 achieves its nine forward gears without increasing the transmission’s physical size. Its carrying space is nearly identical to that of the 7DCT450, while axial space is reduced by 5.8mm. This means vehicles designed for the 7DCT can accommodate the 9DCT without costly engine bay re-engineering.
Higher Torque Capacity
The 9DCT400 handles up to 400 N·m of torque- – a 54% increase over the 7DCT. This makes it suitable for high-output 2.0T engines and provides ample headroom for future performance upgrades.
Lighter and More Efficient
Despite its increased capabilities, the 9DCT400 is approximately 10% lighter than the 7DCT, with overall efficiency improved by 3.5%. The transmission’s comprehensive efficiency reaches up to 96%, ensuring that more engine power reaches the wheels.
Fuel Savings
Based on national standard fuel consumption data, the 9DCT400 delivers 7% better fuel economy than the 7DCT. The additional overdrive gears (8th and 9th) allow the engine to operate at lower RPMs during highway cruising – at 120 km/h, engine speed stays around 1,800 rpm- – significantly reducing fuel consumption.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 9-speed wet dual-clutch (transverse) |
| Maximum Torque Capacity | 400 N·m |
| Gears | 9 forward + 1 reverse |
| Dimensions (L×W×H) | 385 × 520 × 465 mm |
| Weight | 78.5 kg |
| Dual Clutch Module | Wet multi-disc |
| Actuation System | Electro-hydraulic control |
| Parking System | Electro-hydraulic parking |
| Hybrid Support | BSG / P2 / e-AD |
| Service Life | 10 years or 300,000 km |
| Single-Gear Shift Durability | 580,000 cycles |
| Comprehensive Efficiency | Up to 96% |
Core Technologies – What Makes It Different?
Built-In Integrated TCU
The 9DCT400 features a built-in integrated Transmission Control Unit (TCU) . Unlike external TCUs that require additional wiring and packaging space, the integrated design reduces complexity, improves response speed, and enables more precise shift control.
Innovative Synchronizer Design
The transmission employs compact synchronizers with narrow tooth width and thin profiles. This design reduces rotational inertia, enables faster synchronization, and contributes to the transmission‘s compact overall dimensions.
Dual Pump System
A high-efficiency mechanical pump works in tandem with an integrated electronic pump. The electronic pump provides on-demand hydraulic pressure, reducing parasitic losses when full pump capacity isn’t required – a key contributor to the 3.5% efficiency improvement.
Highly Integrated Electronic Module
The 9DCT400's electronic module is highly integrated, consolidating multiple control functions into a single compact unit. This reduces weight, simplifies packaging, and improves reliability.
Self-Developed DCM and HCM
GWM independently developed the Dual Clutch Module (DCM) and Hydraulic Control Module (HCM) – critical components that were previously sourced from external suppliers. This gives GWM full control over calibration, quality, and future development.
Wet Multi-Plate Clutch
The wet clutch design provides superior heat dissipation performance compared to dry clutches-, enabling the transmission to handle higher torque loads while maintaining consistent performance under demanding conditions.
How Does It Compare?
| Comparison | GWM 9DCT400 | GWM 7DCT450 | Improvement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max Torque | 400 N·m | 260 N·m | +54% |
| Overall Efficiency | Up to 96% | 92.5% | +3.5% |
| Weight | 78.5 kg | ~87 kg | -10% |
| Axial Space | Reduced | Baseline | -5.8mm |
| Fuel Consumption | Baseline | +7% | -7% |
The 9DCT400 also offers advantages over traditional 8-speed automatics. DCT transmissions have inherently higher efficiency than ATs because they experience less parasitic drag – an AT typically has five clutches (with at least two dragging even when disengaged), while a DCT has only one. The result is more direct power delivery and better fuel economy.
Real-World Performance – Proven in the Field
The 9DCT400 has been rigorously validated in real-world conditions. The transmission has achieved single-gear shift durability of 580,000 cycles– far exceeding typical vehicle lifetimes.
In the 2025 Taklimakan Rally, vehicles equipped with the 9DCT – including the Haval H6 and Haval Manganese Dragon (Menglong) – demonstrated the transmission’s durability in extreme desert conditions, proving that “DCT can conquer the Taklimakan”-. The 9DCT-equipped Haval Manganese Dragon fuel version won its class in the rally.
The transmission has also been praised for its smoothness and responsiveness. As one reviewer noted: “The 9DCT delivers a feeling like an electric vehicle – smooth acceleration, quick response, and quiet operation”-. In highway driving, the transmission shifts into 9th gear at approximately 80 km/h-, keeping engine RPMs low for optimal fuel efficiency-.
Market Applications – Where It Powers
The 9DCT400 has been widely adopted across GWM‘s premium vehicle lineup:
- Haval H6 (third generation) – China’s best-selling SUV, equipped with 4N20A 2.0T + 9DCT
- Haval Dargo (Big Dog) – off-road SUV
- Haval H6L – extended version
- Haval Manganese Dragon (Menglong) fuel version – rally-proven off-road SUV
- WEY Mocha – premium SUV, with 48V mild hybrid + 9DCT
- GWM pickup models – transverse platform applications
The transmission has achieved over 150,000 units in the first half of 2025 alone, with a failure rate below 1%- – a testament to its reliability and superb manufacturing quality.
Built to Last – The Rigour Behind the Reputation
The 9DCT400 wasn't rushed to market. It is the result of years of intensive development and validation:
- Single-gear shift durability: 580,000 cycles
- Service life: 10 years or 300,000 km
- Failure rate in production: Below 1%
- Manufacturing: Produced at HYCET Yangzhong Industrial Park, with an annual capacity of up to 2.5 million units at full design capacity
The transmission assembly line incorporates 10 ABB/FANUC robots to ensure consistent quality and precision.
Why Choose the 9DCT400?
With years of experience in the powertrain sector, we understand that vehicle manufacturers need transmissions that deliver performance, efficiency, and reliability – all within a package that integrates seamlessly into existing vehicle architectures. The 9DCT400 delivers on all three.
As a trusted trading partner, we offer direct access to GWM's original equipment 9DCT400 transmissions – the world's first transverse 9-speed wet dual-clutch transmission. Backed by over 150,000 units in service, a sub-1% failure rate, and recognition as a Top 10 World Transmission, the 9DCT400 is the ideal choice for high-end vehicle programmes demanding the best in drivetrain technology.
What sets us apart:
- ✅ Genuine GWM original equipment – full traceability and quality assurance
- ✅ World-first technology – the only transverse 9-speed wet DCT in production
- ✅ Proven reliability – 580,000-cycle durability, sub-1% failure rate
- ✅ Hybrid-ready architecture – supports BSG, P2, and e-AD configurations
- ✅ Cost-effective – same footprint as 7DCT, significantly better performance
Contact us today to discuss how the 9DCT400 can elevate your next vehicle programme.
