New 7-Speed DSG Makes BMW a Clutch Player
At first there was one. Now there are many. This week, BMW was proud to herald its new status as "the world's first car maker now offering a seven-speed Double Clutch Gearbox [DSG] especially conceived and designed for a high-speed power unit." The German cog-swapper's high hp capability is an important distinction; VW trumped Bimmer with its low-horsepower seven-speed DSG gearbox late last year. Other new dual clutch transmissions in the news: Mitsubishi is giving long lead buff books and the internet megaliths a taste of their new six-gear dual clutch "SST" box ( Edmunds reports that it's not ready for prime time yet). Volvo has just announced details on its dual wet clutch Powershift transmission (also six gears). Although the box is currently reserved for Volvo's European diesel cars, you can bet some version of this transmission will make it into Ford's U.S. passenger cars. At which point dual clutch-loving pistonheads (ipso facto) might implode from all the choice. But where oh where is Porsche's DSG? I mean, c'mon.
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The Cayenne itself is utter sacrilege.
I had a 1985 Alfa GTV6 that used dual flywheels and clutch disks. It was referred to as a "racing" clutch. And while it did allow the driver to pretty much let the pedal out as fast as he wanted, and launch the car without killing the engine, it was a pain when it came time to park the thing. It was very hard to modulate. I wonder what the difference is with these? Eventually, I replaced the dual clutch with a heavy duty single disk version which worked much better.
Mmmmmmm.... Alfa GTV6.... One of the beautiful, timeless automotive designs. Post a link to a pic.
Davekaybsc Anybody driving an automatic Porsche doesn't deserve a quality gearbox. I have to agree with quasimodo and Mr. Holzman