A 10-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox is being developed by the Volkswagen Group. Speaking at the Vienna Motor Symposium, VW Group chief Martin Winterkorn also confirmed a high-performance diesel engine with 134bhp per litre was in the works.
The 10spd DSG transmission is in response to strict upcoming CO2 emission rating legislation, which will force manufacturers to lower average fleet CO2 emissions to 95g/km by 2020.
The diesel engine will feature “variable valve-train assembly, a high-pressure injection system at up to 3,000 bar and combined charging with the innovative e-booster [an electric turbocharger]”.
Winterkorn said he believes that petrol and diesel internal combustion engines could be made 15 per cent more efficient due to improvements in the combustion process, lightweight design and improved friction levels and thermal management.
VW is also keen to push natural gas technology, which Winterkorn believes “is environmentally friendly, economical and suitable for everyday use”.
He added. “The technology is fully developed and the vehicles are already on the market. We need to make the public even more aware of the benefits of natural gas engines. Everyone needs to play their part in this: car makers, politicians and the fuel industry.”
Plug-in technology remains the best and most efficient powertrain option for the medium-term, according to Winterkorn.
