VW: Shifting to dual-clutch transmissions

VW plans to completely shift to DSG-transmission over the next 5 years, saying goodbye to transverse-mounted automatic transmissions.

The direct-shift gearbox, VW's version of a dual-clutch transmission, offers improved fuel economy, smoother shifting and greater reliability compared with a standard automatic, says Wolfgang Bernhard, head of the VW brand.

In the United States, all VW models except the Touareg SUV and the Phaeton luxury car have engines mounted transversely -- east to west -- making them all candidates for the direct-shift gearbox.

A dual-clutch transmission works like two automatic transmissions side by side. One clutch serves the odd gears and reverse, and the other serves the even gears.

Because the transmission uses two clutches with rapid switches from one to the other, no lurching between gears occurs.

Dual-clutch technology offers better fuel economy than automatic transmissions, which lose power and fuel economy in the torque converter. Unlike a manual gearbox with a clutch pedal, a dual-clutch transmission has no interruption of power when gears are changed.

VW's direct-shift gearbox allows the driver to shift gears manually using buttons on the steering wheel.

Related news: GermanCarBlog, P4MR, VW, DSG

Source: AutoWeek

VW: Shifting to dual-clutch transmissions

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