I believe the correct term is dual mass fly wheel. Used on some American applications as well...a dual-mass flywheel is assembled from two pieces � an inner and outer ring � with a spring action between them. The idea is to provide a harmonic-dampener effect so engine vibrations won't enter the transmission and cause a gear rattle at idle.
In a conventional clutch, the springs in the disc cushion clutch engagement, making it less abrupt, less on-off. Dual-mass flywheels use springs for a completely different purpose � to dampen harmonic vibrations at idle � but also have a side effect of cushioning clutch engagement. That allows eliminating the clutch's springs...