Low Cost DSG On The Way

Dual-clutch transmissions are viewed as an improvement over current automatic and auto-manual transmission technologies. Here in the US, we tend to look at the use of the technology by VW as a performance enhancement, primarily. It is a marriage of the directness of a manual transmission with the ease of use of an automatic, while providing quicker shifting than is humanly possible. BorgWarner, the supplier of the dual cluch technology for VW's DSG transmission, is setting its sights on the low-cost market as a way to offer automatic shifting in the 600cc to 1.0-liter segment. Currently, CVT and low-cost automatics are being used in this segment, and dual-clutch technology can offer improved performance and fuel economy over standard automatic transmissions and lower cost than CVTs with less mechanical complexity.

According to CSM Worldwide, an automotive market consultantcy, manufacturers pay anywhere from €300 to €400 ($381 to $509) a unit for low-cost, four-speed automatics. CVTs can cost up to €1,400 ($1780), but dual-clutch transmissions offer a nice middle ground at about €950 ($1208).

While some of us still prefer to row our own gearboxes, technologies like dual-clutch offer a better compromise so that others who are not comfortable with selecting their own gear ratios can experience improved performance and fuel economy. Few would argue that a standard slushbox is a better alternative, especially in smaller displacement engines.



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AmazingBimmer - 10/31/2006 3:26:13 PM

+1 Boost

the low cost ones is what VW will use. sounds right.

bigslick83 - 10/31/2006 4:45:19 PM

+1 Boost

i was just researching the dsg and it says on wikipedia that it taks a stunning 8 milliseconds to upshift. for comparison they said the SMT in a ferrari enzo will take 150 milliseconds. this is the time power to the engine is off. i think borgwarner is completly retarded in licensing this to VW group exclusivly. you would think other companies would be dying to get their hands on this and would pay a pretty penny.

S4cabriofox - 10/31/2006 6:24:08 PM

+1 Boost

Audi and VW will be spreading them across their entire model lines, effectively replacing automatic transmissions. Better fuel economy and quicker acceleration- bring it on!

And yes, it would make sense that VW AG would get the low-cost system first.

bigslick- the DSG is the only semi-auto transmission ever produced that's quicker than its manual equivalent. My A3 is a pocket rocket.

S4cabriofox - 11/1/2006 5:46:06 PM

+1 Boost

"When was the last time y'all got anything from Europe that was cheap, fun and reliable?"

Porsche Boxster

Lotus Elise

BMW 3 Series

Audi A3

Audi A4

VW GTI

Mini Cooper

Vauxhall VX220

Give me pure, evidential fact or experience that all of the cars here aren't reliable.