Few of the many little competitors that arose in the early 2010s generated as much discussion--or controversy--as the 2012 Ford Focus transmission. Fundamentally, it was intended to be a step forward: a dual-clutch design that combined the convenience of an automatic with the efficiency and driving enjoyment of a manual. It was Ford's bold response to the increasing need for fuel efficiency without compromising driver involvement. Although its idea was unquestionably audacious, its actual performance swiftly revealed a more nuanced story.