The process of changing gears without disengaging the clutch or lifting off the accelerator. In historic mechanical terms, it referred to early synchronization mechanisms. In heavy equipment and racing, it means swapping ratios under power using specialized clutch packs or electronic ignition cuts to prevent momentum loss.
You can hot shift that sequential box all the way down the straightaway without lifting your foot.
Also heard as
- powershift
Related terms
Powershift
A type of automated manual transmission that uses dual clutches to pre-load gears.
Money shift
A disastrous accidental downshift at high speed that forces the engine past its redline.
Quickshifter
An electronic sensor and module system that allows for clutchless, full-throttle upshifts.
Gear change
The mechanical act of shifting a vehicle transmission from one ratio to another.