At the 35th Vienna Motor Symposium, Volkswagen’s Dr Heinz Jakob-Neußer, Member of the Board of Management at Volkswagen responsible for the Development Division, presented future drive system trends from Volkswagen. One of the major challenges facing the global vehicle manufacturer is the continuous reduction of CO2 emissions – in compliance with very different statutory requirements worldwide. Despite the focus on efficiency, Dr Neußer – who is also responsible for engine development in the Volkswagen Group – says that no compromises will be made on driving pleasure.
Dr Neußer explained that, for example, state-of-the-art turbocharger technologies such as the “electric booster” to improve dynamic torque build-up, can effectively support future downsizing strategies. As well as giving first insights into the new high-performance and high-torque engines from Volkswagen such as the new 2.0 litre TDI bi-turbo with an impressive 236hp for the new Passat or the 2.0 litre TSI with up to 400hp for the sportiest Golf models, Neußer also presented the latest top developments in the field of DSG transmissions: the new 10-speed DSG for torque of 500Nm and more.
I am still baffled by the notion of a 10-speed gearbox, and even more so when this was shared amongst VW enthusiasts. Some feel that 6-speed is good enough but in the chase for better efficiency, perhaps 10-speed might be the answer. BMW has introduced the 8-speed ZF gearbox and ZF themselves have already developed a 9-speed gearbox.
I just can’t imagine shifting so many gears especially if I brought a 10-speed VW on the track. I would be constantly looking at the dash to remember which gear I am in before downshifting at corners. As a comparison, even Formula 1 (in the 2014 season) has 8-gears.
The 10-speed DSG is set to replace the current 6-speed wet clutch DSG (DQ250) found in models such as the Golf GTI Mk6 and Mk7, the Golf R, Scirocco R, Beetle 2.0 and the older Passat CC models.
