As we demand more from our cars in terms of fuel efficiency, the idea of maximising the power generated by the engine through optimised gearing is about as classic a solution as you can get, a subset of that being adding more gears to suit different speeds.
Volkswagen had plans to introduce a new version of their DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox) dual-clutch automatic with 10 forward ratios, plans that now appear to be cancelled, according to a report by Autonews.
Currently, the German automaker’s DSG offerings include their 6-speed wet-clutch unit, typically paired to their larger engines (2.0-litres or higher) as well as their more widely used dry-clutch type 7-speed DSG. Back in 2013, then-CEO Martin Winterkorn announced plans to further expand their dual-clutch development to include 10-speed transmissions.
Funnily enough, that venue was at the Vienna International Motor Symposium, wherein that year the announcement was also made that Ford and General Motors would be teaming up for a co-developed transmission of their own. Fast forward 4 years to 2017 and that project yielded the 10-speed automatic that debuted in the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 and soon to feature in the upcoming Mustang facelift.
By contrast, Volkswagen, at this year’s Vienna Symposium, through powertrain chief Friedrich Eichler, confirmed it has canned their own 10-speed endeavour. Just like those two aforementioned muscle cars, VW had planned the 10-speed dual-clutch to be an ideal pairing to their high-output, high-torque engines and would presumably be used in models from their subsidiaries as well such as Porsche, Audi, Lamborghini, Bentley, and maybe even Bugatti.
Eichler, who had presumably been overseeing team(s) in charge of its development, does not rule out the possibility of the project being restarted and a 10-speed DSG reaching a production model, but for now it no longer has a place along Volkswagen’s roadmap.
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