VW developing 10-speed DSG gearbox
VW is working on an efficient 10-speed gearbox and a performance diesel
The head of Volkswagen Group, Professor Dr Martin Winterkorn, has announced that the firm is developing a ultra-efficient 10-speed DSG gearbox and a high-performance modular diesel engine that develops 134bhp per litre of displacement.
Speaking at the International Vienna Motor Symposium, Dr Winterkorn announced the new engine and gearbox as part of the VW Group’s commitment to lowering its fleet-wide CO2 emissions to 95g/km by 2020, although a date to introduce the new engine and gearbox was not given.
He added that he still believed existing internal combustion engines had lots of potential, stating, “‘Since the year 2000, we’ve reduced the fuel consumption of our TDI and TSI engines by more than 30 per cent. I’m convinced that by 2020 we can achieve further increases in efficiency of around 15 per cent.”
In addition to the bhp per litre figure, Winterkorn announced that the new engine would have “a variable valve-train assembly, a high-pressure injection system at up to 3,000bar and combined charging with the innovative e-booster [which is VW’s terminology for its electric turbocharger].”
He also confirmed the VW Group’s interest in developing plug-in hybrid technology, by confirming that the plug-in Porsche Panamera and Audi A3 e-tron will go into production shortly, and that similar versions of the Golf, Passat, Audi A6 and Porsche Cayenne will also be produced.
In mainland Europe, where such an infrastructure exists, Winterkorn reiterated VW’s commitment to natural gas powered cars. The eco-up! is currently the world’s most economical natural gas car, emitting 79g/km of CO2, and the firm will roll out natural gas versions of the Golf, called the TGI BlueMotion, and the Audi A3 g-tron.
