First four, then five, then six...
Follow the history of the automatic transmission, and you'll find that in applications where three speeds once sufficed, five and six speed gearboxes are becoming the new standard. Volkswagen group has upped the ante one step further, announcing the availability of a new seven-speed Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG). It's now available on selected models in Europe including the Golf and Golf Plus with the 1.4 TSI engine and 1.9 TDI engine.
With 7 gears on duty, the engine takes smaller steps between gears, resulting in smoother operation. Additionally, revs are lower at cruising speeds, helping to save on fuel. The 7-speed transmission helped the miserly diesel Golf engine save 0.7 litres per 100km compared to the 6-speed unit.
The new box is VW's first DSG for front-traverse mounted installation, and it's also the first DSG that doesn't have clutches immersed in oil. The latter helps enhance the DSG gearboxes impressive efficiency.
Other German carmakers have seen the benefits of 7 speed transmissions, including Mercedes and BMW. Japanese luxury carmaker Lexus even has an 8-speed automatic in their LS series.
No official word yet on whether Volkswagens seven-speed transmission will come to our shores.
photo:Volkswagen
Follow the history of the automatic transmission, and you'll find that in applications where three speeds once sufficed, five and six speed gearboxes are becoming the new standard. Volkswagen group has upped the ante one step further, announcing the availability of a new seven-speed Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG). It's now available on selected models in Europe including the Golf and Golf Plus with the 1.4 TSI engine and 1.9 TDI engine.
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With 7 gears on duty, the engine takes smaller steps between gears, resulting in smoother operation. Additionally, revs are lower at cruising speeds, helping to save on fuel. The 7-speed transmission helped the miserly diesel Golf engine save 0.7 litres per 100km compared to the 6-speed unit.
The new box is VW's first DSG for front-traverse mounted installation, and it's also the first DSG that doesn't have clutches immersed in oil. The latter helps enhance the DSG gearboxes impressive efficiency.
Other German carmakers have seen the benefits of 7 speed transmissions, including Mercedes and BMW. Japanese luxury carmaker Lexus even has an 8-speed automatic in their LS series.
No official word yet on whether Volkswagens seven-speed transmission will come to our shores.
photo:Volkswagen