Originally Posted By: dparm
To clarify, a DCT is not an automated-manual. That would be be more of a sequential-manual/automated-single clutch like the BMW SMG or Ferrari F1 systems. Those aren't used anymore since they tend to be very clunky (it was the only reason I didn't buy an M5, for those who are curious).
I've owned two dual-clutch cars. My Audi had an S tronic, which is a rebranded VW DSG made by BorgWarner. My BMW has an M-DCT, which is made by Getrag (same unit as several Ferraris). I didn't find either one to be jerky. It's all about managing your own expectations. The take-off on both is a bit like a manual in that you have to feed it a bit of gas until the clutch grabs and then accelerate (this is pretty fast, actually). It's not like a torque converter where you can just punch the gas.
Low-speed driving can be weird depending on the programming. The Audi was a bit clunky in this regard because taking your foot off the brake makes the car start moving, just like in a torque-converter automatic. In my BMW, taking your foot off the gas does nothing, akin to having the clutch in on a manual transmission. BMW makes the low-speed driving easier with what they call a "low-speed assistant" -- by just tapping the gas pedal it will very slowly ease it into gear without any jerkiness or shuddering, and let you creep forward in traffic. BMW also offers "Drivelogic", which gives you 6 possible steps for aggressiveness/speed. The Audi basically has normal, sport, and full-manual...but will still shift at redline in manual mode and downshift if you floor the gas, whereas the M-DCT will happily bounce off the rev limiter and stay in gear when you apply more gas.
After owning the two dual-clutch cars, and driving many others, I am convinced that 95% of it comes down to the programming. I would advise you to drive the BMW M-DCT to see what the benchmark really is. Even though VW was the first-to-market with the DSG, I don't think their programming is sport-focused like BMW's.
BTW, the new ZF 8-speed transmission is excellent. I've driven it in a few different cars now and would gladly buy a vehicle with that.
When you mentioned you had to add a small amount of throttle before the clutch kicked in, about how many rpms was the engine raised above idle (what is idle rpm) before the clutch engagement?