Seven-speed DSG
With an extra ratio, Volkswagen's DSG is now ready to rumble with MultitronicAudi has a CVT, which is marketed under the name of 'Multitronic' -- and it offers seven programmed 'steps' for manual 'gear selection'.
Not to be outdone, parent company Volkswagen is upping the ante with a seven-speed version of its patented DSG transmission. Both transmissions operate much like conventional (epicyclic) automatic transmissions, but they're markedly different technically.
Unlike the Multitronic, which is a Continously Variable Transmission, the DSG box is based on a manual transmission, but with two clutches to allow automated pre-selection of different gears. Multitronic employs sliding cones in a pulley system to vary the ratio of input (engine) to output (transmission) shafts.
Volkswagen has announced that the new seven-speed DSG will be fitted to the Golf specified with 1.4-litre TSI and 1.9-litre TDI engines. To date, Volkswagen has sold approximately one million cars fitted with the six-speed DSG transmission and several companies are licensing the technology from Volkswagen, including -- oddly enough -- Audi.
The new transmission represents a paradigm shift for Volkswagen and DSG technology. Apart from the extra ratio, its two clutches are 'dry-plate' clutches, not immersed in oil. Volkswagen claims that the new transmission can handle up to 250Nm of torque. Since the DSG box is technically a manual transmission with electronic control, Volkswagen packages the DSG Golf with a hill-start assist system.
The 1.9-litre TDI engine coupled to the seven-speed DSG uses 0.7 litres of fuel less per 100km than the six-speed box.
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