VW Unveils New 10-Speed DSG, Other Technologies From Innovation Workshop
At its 2014 Innovation Workshop, Volkswagen unveiled an assortment of technologies, ranging from doors that open and close automatically, to 10-speed transmissions and more powerful diesels.
On the powertrain front, the aforementioned 10-speed DSG will handle engine power up to 406 lb-ft of torque, while the layout of its gear steps helps further lower CO2 emissions. Meanwhile, the new 239 horsepower twin-turbo diesel unit in the Passat could be pushed to 268 horsepower with electric assist, variable valve trains, and an optimized gas exchange cycle. The mill also burns a gallon of diesel for every 44 miles, while VW’s newest stop-start system cuts power at 4 mph, as well as at higher speeds when the accelerator is released. A mild hybrid system uses energy recovery to further efficiency.
Inside, the driver will be able to make use of either Apple’s CarPlay or Google’s Android Auto thanks to the latest version of MirrorLink and its App Connect software. VW also introduced a prototype navigation system that “takes notes” of where the driver prefers to go without the need to be first called upon. They can also check on their car’s vitals via updates to VW’s Car Net’s Security & Service suite, connecting drivers to the Internet to determine what fluids, if any, need to be topped-up prior to a trip, as one example.
Other technologies on display at this year’s workshop include dashboards and glass sunroofs whose pigments and coatings block infrared radiation; lightweight construction and materials techniques derived from motorsport — specifically the 2014 Polo R WRC; and need-based air-conditioning systems for EVs such as the e-up! and e-Golf.
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VW says DSG. BMW's term is DCT (at least in English), which abbreviates the direct translation of Doppelkupplungsgetriebe. Porsche has its PDK, whatever that stands for. Come one, come all! We've got plenty of letters left for your own version. Either way they're all dual-clutch, multi-shaft, automated gearboxes.
I'm thinking this is too many speeds, especially if it only can go up or down one gear at a time. I was driving my wife's car on the highway one day and got stuck behind a truck going about 45 mph. When a break in traffic appeared and I stepped on the accelertor, the car downshifted three time before I got any power. Even though it shifts quickly, that was longer than I'd like to wait in that situation. Having to wait for five or six shifts would seem like an eternity. You get that many speeds, you might as well go CVT.
Can the German's build cars even better?? Yes. http://www.bloomberg.com/native/article/?mvi=cc1692e047e141c4ac09685305738082#!/
Wonder if 10, 12, 20 or 100 speeds, is the point at which such exercises in complexioneering become undifferentiable from a cheap, simple CVT?