VW Delivers New Details On 10-Speed DSG, No Set Debut Date

Cameron Aubernon
by Cameron Aubernon

Volkswagen enthusiasts could soon have a 10-speed transmission to go with their 10-speed bicycles, as the automaker released more details on its 10-speed DSG unit currently in the works during this year’s Vienna Motor Symposium.

Autoblog reports VW brand development chief Hans-Jakob Neusser informed symposium attendees that the transmission would see service in both transverse and longitudinal configurations under the bonnets of VW’s and Audi’s premium offerings, such as the Touareg and A8 according statements made by CEO Martin Winterkorn during last year’s affair.

The 10-speed will be a replacement for the current six-speed DSG, designed for “higher-powered engines” producing over 184 lb-ft of torque, being able to handle 369 lb-ft while helping to lower emissions by as much as 15 percent by 2020.

As for when the new transmission will debut, Neusser did not offer any word on a time of arrival.

Cameron Aubernon
Cameron Aubernon

Seattle-based writer, blogger, and photographer for many a publication. Born in Louisville. Raised in Kansas. Where I lay my head is home.

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  • Carfan94 Carfan94 on May 13, 2014

    I laughed out loud when I read the title of this post, I literately thought it was a joke.

  • Suspekt Suspekt on May 13, 2014

    The new Acura TLX will have an 8 speed DCT combined with a torque converter. This might finally solve the whole DCT low speed creep issues. Also, the 7 speed DCT in the new hybrid RLX ditches the torque converter and instead goes with an electric motor. For all the BS Honda takes for not being innovative enough, I think they are firing on all cylinders (except for the stupid exterior design of the RLX... I'm an admitted Honda fan boy but I cannot defend that design).

  • Wottalot Wottalot on May 14, 2014

    Really? 10-speed DSG? Isn't it about time VW learnt from their mistakes? A pain in the butt Not only has their 7-speed DSG been a major failure (i.e. subject of recalls, extended warranties, etc.) across many continents, it's also a real pain to drive. For example, its behaviour when parking and slow manouvering, e.g. when ascending car park ramps and in tight spaces, is often unpredictable. I've also read many reports of DSG 'boxes failing to kick in when you need them most, e.g. at traffic islands, and of randomly disengaging power to the wheels when cruising at speed. Never again DSG Searching the net reveals that, for various reasons, many owners wouldn't have another. There may be many owners without problems, but the extraordinary frequency of serious issues with the DSG (and also with Ford's Powershift by the way) cannot be ignored. VW blame the oil, but such a claim rather opens another can of worms, doesn't it? CVT? Er, no. Traditional CVTs (other than Toyota's eCVT) are a compromise, because the mechanism has to both grip and slide at the same time, so is not ideal and reliability has been an issue. Toyota's planetary-gear system is a far better CVT system and has such a small number of moving parts that it's practically bulletproof. But I doubt it can withstand high torque levels in its current form. The torque converter is dead -- long live the torque converter! I suspect that modern torque converters may ultimately hold most potential for the future of transmissions; they tick all the boxes regarding driveability and reliability, and are a well-proven, tried and trusted concept. For example, the current crop of BMW autos (torque converters) aren't slow shifters by any means, and fuel economy issues are also being overcome, both through transmission design, and advances in fuel and engine technology. What I really want... ... is an economical, swift-shifting, smooth and predictable transmission with better than average economy and bulletproof reliability (that's not VW's current DSG, and I doubt it will be their 10-speed version either). But wait a moment -- I already have one: it's my BMW F10! :) Phew.

  • Jolgamazatlan Jolgamazatlan on May 14, 2014

    I did a quick search on DSG maintenance and came up with his gem from a group 3 years ago in 2011. First a poor VW owner says: "I WILL LIGHT MY CAR ON FIRE BEFORE I PAY THE DEALERSHIP $800+ TO CHANGE MY FLUIDS AND SPARK PLUGS!!!!!!!!!!!!! Then an Audi mechanic answers: Honestly not suprised. Depends on labor rates. Parts and labor would make sense as the full service is probably 4 hours, plus parts. DSG fluid is not cheap and drain/refill usually takes 6-7 quarts, if not more. I work for Audi and our 4 cyl/DSG cars get plugs/pollen/oil change/dsg filter/dsg fluid at 35k, which is equivalent to VW's 40k. To those not familiar with the filling process of the DSG - its kinda complicated. Basically you need a special fill adapter, fill the vehicle on a lift then check the DSG fluid level at a specific fluid temp. Not to mention access to the DSG filter housing is limited and removal of the airbox is required to gain access. I've always performed a basic settings of the DSG after a fluid change on top of all that. Love how everyone is so eager to slam dealership labor rates and labor times, and then ask around on how to do their own maintenance. It's expensive because its a dealer and the labor rate reflects how long it takes to do the actual service. And since it is a "customer pay" 40k service, a tire rotation should be included as well. So I have given precise instructions to my wife that if she ever even suspects I am thinking of buying a 10-speed DSG she is to shoot me immediately. She knows she will not be charged if this occurs as it will be considered a mercy killing.

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