Volkswagen creates 10-speed DSG gearbox
New 10-speed gearbox is one part of VW’s bold ambition to become world’s most sustainable carmaker by 2018
Volkswagen has today shown the sky is the limit when it comes to automatic transmissions by unveiling the world’s first 10-speed gearbox!
The German firm has revealed the new dual-clutch DSG gearbox alongside a whole host of other clever green technologies. It’s the company’s latest stride towards the goal of becoming the world’s most sustainable carmaker by 2018.
VW aims to reach the ambitious target with a programme it's calling “Think Blue”. The company says the strategy consists of three parts: “Developing efficient products and technologies, actively involving people to promote environmental awareness and supporting environmentally relevant and initiatives globally.”
And the firm has set another bold ambition too – to offer the most environmentally-friendly automobile in every market segment. It aims to do this by offering cars with coasting technology called “mild hybrid” that shuts off the engine when the driver takes their foot off the throttle meaning Start-stop tech can be used on the move. In addition, lightweight body panels will be used along with an infrared-reflecting dashboard that employs a new black pigment to reflect sunshine and stop the cabin from heating up to reduce the load on the air conditioning system.
But the big news for Volkswagen is the 10-speed gearbox. Like the VW Group’s famous seven-speed ’box used for the past 11 years, the 10-speed version is designed for peak torques of 550Nm. It’s also the same size as the seven-speed version which means it’ll slip straight into VWs using the MQB platform like the Golf and new Passat. VW says that due to the tenth gear’s long ratio, CO2 emissions are potentially reduced and that future VW SUVs may not need to gearboxes with separate low- and high-ratios.
How long before someone offers a car with an 11-speed gearbox? Make your predictions in the comments section below...
