DSG VOLKSWAGEN

DSG is a groundbreaking 'two-in-one' concept. Available in 6-speed and 7-speed versions, it's totally unlike a conventional automatic transmission. Twin electronically controlled shafts manage gear selection, always anticipating your next shift.

The technology

Two independent gearbox units make up the DSG. With dual-clutch technology - two clutches in a common housing - both gearboxes are connected under load to the engine in turn, depending on the current gear, via two drive shafts. Clutch 1 serves the first gearbox unit with 1st, 3rd, 5th 7th and reverse gear and clutch 2 the second gearbox unit with 2nd, 4th and 6th gear. An output shaft that applies the torque to the driven wheels via the differential gear is assigned to each gearbox unit.

Thanks to the dual-clutch design the DSG is more efficient than conventional automatic transmission. This efficiency, together with its low weight and intelligent control, means that DSG can achieve the same, and in some instances better, fuel consumption, than a manual gearbox or even lower, depending on the style of driving.

Mechatronics - electronics and mechanics in one unit

Clutches and gearbox units are operated hydraulically by the gearbox mechatronics (a combination of mechanics and electronics) housed in the DSG. The electronic transmission control unit, sensors and hydraulic control unit form one compact unit.

The control unit does the thinking for you, using information such as engine speed, road speed, accelerator position and driving mode to select the optimum gear and to determine the ideal shift point. The hydraulic control unit then implements the shift commands in a sequence of precisely co-ordinated actions.

Split-second gear changes

When one gear is engaged, another gear is always preselected. Within four hundredths of a second after the system detects a gear change it opens one clutch and closes the other. The mechatronics unit ensures that this takes place fast and to a level of accuracy that would not be possible in a manual transmission. The change of gear is imperceptible to the driver who is merely conscious of the uninterrupted power.