Are VW falling behind with the 6 speed (wet) DSG

[Hawaii-Five-O]

If you take the equivalent box from say BMW, they're 8 speed unit is actually better for fuel economy (compared to the manual) and can handle a shed load of torque. VW's 7 speed (dry) DSG unit has better fuel economy than a manual but can't handle much torque (which is why they have two units).

I know the DSG6 unit is tried and trusted, and I've ordered one for convenience, but don't you feel it's lagging behind some of the more modern developments?

[Bill_the_Bear]

don't you feel it's lagging behind some of the more modern developments?

Yes.  I noted the BMW 8 speed unit same as you and wondered why VW didn't have an equivalent.  Cost saving probably.  Maybe space, though it can't be much larger?

The BMW unit is wet though right?

[dubber36]

It has to be remembered that the BMW is rear wheel drive, therefore had a longitudinal drivetrain layout, meaning there is more scope to fit a bigger gearbox, unlike the transverse front wheel drive Golf.

I think the 6 speed DSG is does pretty well. I've driven VWs with the 7 speed box (albeit lower powered models) and the thing was constantly changing gear, trying to find the right ratio.

[Jimble]

When will it end??


http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/industry/volkswagen-developing-10-speed-dsg-gearbox


8 gears are so last year!!!!

[monkeyhanger]

When will it end??


http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/industry/volkswagen-developing-10-speed-dsg-gearbox


8 gears are so last year!!!!

I wonder when my VW will have more gears than my mountain bike? 

[Bill_the_Bear]

8 gears are so last year!!!!

Heh heh heh

When will it end??

CVT?

[Snoopy]

Building one with a reliable mecatronics unit would be a good start before adding more gears to the 6 & 7

[JonnyG]

They do have a wet 7-speed DSG within the VAG group - the RS3 and TTRS both have a 7 speed S-tronic box which can handle more torque.  The 7th gear does also offer a much quieter motorway cruise with better mpg.

I guess it must be a weight / size / expense issue to not use it in the S3 and Golf 

 

[Hawaii-Five-O]

All very interesting. Thanks for the responses.

Dubber36, Snoopy and JonnyG hit on some important points.

I hadn't appreciated the fact that the BMW is rear wheel drive and the gearbox sits longitudinally, therefore allowing more space for a "bigger" unit. VW will have an engineering challenge to fit a new box with more cogs into a transvers space.

With the BMW 8 speed and the VW 7 speed unit they both produce improved fuel economy over the manual drivetrain. However the DSG 6 speed doesn't. That was my point. VW need to be careful they're not falling behind in the engineering stakes.

[OF1]

My Dad has had an F30 330d M Sport since January with the 8 Speed Auto. I must say that it's a complete livewire, an unbelievable gearbox. Easily the best i've used.

If the DSG was more like it, I would have DSG in a crack. I honestly think if you're going to Automatic route, fuel economy should be improved and emissions lowered. Not the other way around.