What component inside a torque converter improves fuel economy?

The lockup clutch is a critical component inside a torque converter that greatly enhances fuel economy. Its primary function is to create a direct mechanical connection between the engine and the transmission at higher speeds. This engagement reduces the slipping that typically occurs within a torque converter, where the engine and transmission are not directly linked, thus minimizing power loss and increasing efficiency.

When the lockup clutch is activated, it effectively locks the turbine to the engine, allowing for a more efficient transfer of power. This means that the engine operates at lower RPMs for a given speed, which generally leads to improved fuel efficiency. By eliminating the slippage found in a traditional torque converter, the lockup clutch enables better fuel utilization, resulting in lower fuel consumption.

In contrast, the impeller, stator, and turbine serve different functions within the torque converter. The impeller and turbine are involved in the fluid dynamics that transfer engine power to the transmission, while the stator redirects fluid flow to optimize performance at lower speeds. However, these components do not directly contribute to fuel economy as significantly as the lockup clutch does when it enables a direct drive condition.