Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Ferrari reportedly hard at work to combat turbo lag]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/11/ferrari-reportedly-hard-at-work-to-combat-turbo-lag/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/11/ferrari-reportedly-hard-at-work-to-combat-turbo-lag/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/11/ferrari-reportedly-hard-at-work-to-combat-turbo-lag/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Try explaining turbocharging to someone who doesn't know cars, and if you do a good job, you're likely to get a reaction something along the lines of, "then why don't they put turbochargers on all cars"? Well, that's a perfectly fair question, and the answer of course is turbo lag. It's one major downside to using spools, and it's what's keeping Ferrari, for one, from implementing them immediately.

Speaking with Britain's Autocar magazine, Ferrari engine chief Jean-Jacques confirmed that the company is preparing to use turbochargers, but that it will take time to develop a new version that will mitigate the effects of turbo lag. This confirms the patent drawings that leaked out earlier this year revealing a developmental two-stage turbocharging system from Ferrari.

Of course this wouldn't be the first time Maranello would use the spools - during the turbo era in F1, the iconic F40 (and the 288 GTO before it) was powered by a twin-turbo V8. But to make it an acceptable addition to modern Ferraris, the company may go the same route as Porsche with variable-vane turbos - or it could come up with another solution entirely.

Meanwhile Ferrari has reportedly dismissed the possibility of using the Fiat Group's new MultiAir variable valve system, finding that it wouldn't work at the kinds of revs and horsepower outputs at which Ferrari engines operate. The report does confirm, however, that the dual-clutch transmission launched on the California is capable of handling the power from V12 engines, suggesting that the gearbox may be implemented across the range for future models.

[Source: Autocar]

Ferrari reportedly hard at work to combat turbo lag originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dual clutchdual clutch transmissionDualClutchDualClutchTransmissionferrariferrari multi airferrari turboferrari turbochargerFerrariMultiAirFerrariTurboFerrariTurbochargermulti airMultiAirturbocharged ferrariTurbochargedFerrariWed, 11 Nov 2009 18:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Volkswagen recalls 13,500 DSG-equipped 2009-2010 models over sensor problem]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/21/volkswagen-recalls-13-500-dsg-equipped-2009-2010-models-over-sen/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/21/volkswagen-recalls-13-500-dsg-equipped-2009-2010-models-over-sen/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/21/volkswagen-recalls-13-500-dsg-equipped-2009-2010-models-over-sen/#comments

Anybody who bought a Volkswagen in North America in the past year with a DSG gearbox will want to keep an eye on their mailbox in the coming weeks for a note from the home office in Herndon, Virginia. It seems there is an issue with a temperature sensor in the dual clutch transmission. Problematic sensors can give erroneous readings that cause warning lamps in the cluster to turn on or send the transmission into neutral.

The quick-shifting DSG is a popular option in the Jetta sedan, Sportwagen, GTI and Eos convertible. A total of 13,500 cars built between September 2008 and August 2009 are being brought in for inspection and possible repair. You can check out the complete VW press release after the jump.

[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading Volkswagen recalls 13,500 DSG-equipped 2009-2010 models over sensor problem

Volkswagen recalls 13,500 DSG-equipped 2009-2010 models over sensor problem originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Aug 2009 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsg recalllDsgRecallldual clutchdual clutch gearboxdual clutch recalldual clutch transmis...dual clutch transmissionDualClutchDualClutchGearboxDualClutchRecallDualClutchTransmis...DualClutchTransmissionrecallvolkswagenvolkswagen dsgVolkswagenDsgFri, 21 Aug 2009 17:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford announces 2.0-liter EcoBoost and dual-clutch gearbox for 2010]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/21/ford-announces-2-0-liter-ecoboost-and-dual-clutch-gearbox-for-20/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/21/ford-announces-2-0-liter-ecoboost-and-dual-clutch-gearbox-for-20/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/21/ford-announces-2-0-liter-ecoboost-and-dual-clutch-gearbox-for-20/#commentsFiled under:


Ford Explorer America Concept - Click above for a high-res image gallery

As reported earlier, Ford used its 2010 model year preview in Dearborn, Michigan to announce the next stage of the company's EcoBoost strategy for North America. The new 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder will arrive in 2010, and along with the new engine, Ford will also debut its Powershift six-speed dual clutch gearbox next year.

The Powershift uses a dry clutch system Ford claims is more efficient than the wet clutch systems used on some existing DCTs (see: VW DSG). Samardzich said the Powershift will yield a seven- to nine-percent efficiency improvement over current automatics. So far, Ford officials have remained mum on which applications will see the new engine or gearbox first, although there are several likely possibilities. Make the jump for more.


Gallery: Detroit 2008: Ford Explorer America concept

Continue reading Ford announces 2.0-liter EcoBoost and dual-clutch gearbox for 2010

Ford announces 2.0-liter EcoBoost and dual-clutch gearbox for 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Jul 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2009 BMW 750i

In the fierce competition between luxury automakers, every detail is a potential battlefield, including the number of forward ratios in an automatic transmission. Mercedes-Benz struck first with its seven-speed automatic, which prompted eight-speed responses from Lexus, along with BMW, Audi and even Hyundai. These slushboxes are packed with technology and can either rifle off extremely fast up- and downshifts or coddle their occupants with velvety smooth transitions.

The newest front, though, replaces the traditional torque converter with a set of clutches that hand off gearchanges from one to the next in a fraction of a second. While these new dual-clutch gearboxes are a performance home run, they are still more costly and complex than their more traditional automatic brethren, so it's not surprising to hear that the famous Bavarian automaker is sticking with the tried-and-true autobox in its volume sellers, for now at least.

Gallery: 2009 BMW 7 Series


[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

BMW prefers 8-speed automatic over dual-clutch for volume vehicles originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Feb 2009 18:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Click above for a high-res gallery of the Audi S3 Sportback

Audi's five-door S3 and its Sportback sibling will now be able to benefit from the S tronic dual-clutch transmission. Mated to the 2.0-liter TSFI, you'll seamlessly shift from first all the way to sixth, with 265 hp on tap and 258 lb-ft. available from just 2,500 rpm. You'll also get even better gas mileage, with both cars registering 28 mpg, not to mention hitting sixty two-tenths of a second faster than would with a manual: 5.5 or 5.6 seconds depending on whether you're piloting the three- or five-door. The DCT is available now, and for better gas mileage, quicker shifts, and a quicker car... why wouldn't you?

Gallery: 2009 Audi S3 Sportback

Continue reading Audi S3 and S3 Sportback get S tronic dual-clutch trannies

Audi S3 and S3 Sportback get S tronic dual-clutch trannies originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Nov 2008 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiaudi s3audi s3 s-tronicaudi s3 sportbackaudi s3 sportback s tronicAudiS3AudiS3S-tronicAudiS3SportbackAudiS3SportbackSTroniccar buyingCarBuyingdctdual clutchdual clutch gearboxdual clutch transmissionDualClutchDualClutchGearboxDualClutchTransmissions tronicSTronicMon, 17 Nov 2008 18:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Getrag's U.S. transmission plant files for CH11 after Chrysler pull-out]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/17/getrags-u-s-transmission-plant-files-for-ch11-after-chrysler-p/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/17/getrags-u-s-transmission-plant-files-for-ch11-after-chrysler-p/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/17/getrags-u-s-transmission-plant-files-for-ch11-after-chrysler-p/#commentsFiled under: ,



The roundabout that was the Chrysler, LLC-Getrag partnership recently came to an end with Chrysler pulling out the deal, citing untenable financing terms. Now Getrag Transmission Manufacturing, the U.S. company that was going to build the dual-clutch transmissions for Chrysler, has filed for Chapter 11. Getrag has done so in order to streamline its handling of claims and creditors.

Of course, it's not over: Getrag is suing Chrysler for pulling out, Chrysler is suing Getrag for not getting the $300 million financing that Getrag was supposed to bring to the table. Other than the lawsuits and bad blood, all that's left are the partial remains of the factory that was to build the transmissions, and Chrysler's need to find a source of dual-clutch transmissions. Just another monument to the turmoil the auto industry is currently mired in.

[Source: Automotive News, sub req'd]

Getrag's U.S. transmission plant files for CH11 after Chrysler pull-out originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Nov 2008 15:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Click above for a high-res gallery of the Audi Quattro Coupe Concept.

The Audi Q5 will reportedly make its official debut at the Bejing Motor Show next month and with Porsche's increased stake in the Volkswagen group - going from 31-percent to more than 50-percent - that means that VAG and Porsche might begin to finally play nice again with platform sharing.

Initially, the new Q5 was supposed to underpin Porsche's own mini 'ute, but rumors suggested that Audi's board nixed the idea for fear that a Porsche model sharing the same platform could steal sales from the new CUV. That's about to change as Porsche gets a few seats on VAG's board, and according to Autoweek, development of the vehicle-formerly-known as the Roxster is back in full swing.

While there's no new information about the Porsche, Audi's Q5 will be revealed packing the new seven-speed dual-clutch S-tronic gearbox mated to a longitudinal engine. The real benefit of the new DL500 transmission is that it can handle torque output up to 405 lb.-ft. and engine revs of 8,500 rpm. The new tranny will disseminate throughout the rest of the Audi lineup in coming years, first in Quattro models, including the new A4, and then on down to the automaker's front-wheel-drive models.

Gallery: Audi Cross Coupe Quattro


Gallery: 2007 Audi Cross Coupe quattro concept


[Source: Autoweek]

Audi Q5 getting 7-speed DSG, Porsche variant on the horizon, again originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Mar 2008 14:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Construction of the $530 million dollar plant being built by Chrysler and Getrag in Kokomo, Indiana, has been suspended indefinitely due to a contract dispute between the two companies. Neither Chrysler nor Getrag were willing to specify the exact reason for the stoppage, the only word from Chrysler to Automotive News was that it hopes the dispute can be resolved so that the transmissions will be available in mid-2009. We hope so too, since the new dual-clutch transmissions are an integral part of Chrysler's powertrain revamp which includes the new Phoenix V6.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Chrysler halts construction of dual-clutch transmission plant originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Jan 2008 18:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chryslerdual clutch transmissionDualClutchTransmissiongetragplant constructionPlantConstructionFri, 11 Jan 2008 18:54:00 EST<![CDATA[VW introduces 7-speed DSG on Euro Golf and Golf Plus]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/21/vw-introduces-7-speed-dsg-on-euro-golf-and-golf-plus/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/21/vw-introduces-7-speed-dsg-on-euro-golf-and-golf-plus/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/21/vw-introduces-7-speed-dsg-on-euro-golf-and-golf-plus/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Volkswagen's dual-clutch gearbox (DSG) has proven that a balance can be struck between driver involvement and running the daily slog without a cramped left leg, with a bump in fuel economy to boot. As reported earlier this year, VW has plans to introduce another cog onto its six-speed DSG unit, while at the same time dropping the wet clutch arrangement for a dry-clutch setup. Now it's official: the new seven-speed DSG not only boasts another gear and dry clutches, but it's the first time the DSG transmission is able to be mounted for a front-traverse setup.

The seven-speed 'box will originally be available on the Golf and Golf Plus models abroad, equipped with the 1.4-liter TSI engine and 1.9-liter TDI mill, and the 1,750 euro premium over the base model also includes a hill-start assist system. The next generation, Borg-Warner-developed DSG has the capacity to channel 184 lb.-ft. of torque to the wheels, which should suit both models well, but it will need some beefing up before it becomes standard on more performance-oriented models.

Continue reading VW introduces 7-speed DSG on Euro Golf and Golf Plus

VW introduces 7-speed DSG on Euro Golf and Golf Plus originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Dec 2007 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The dual-clutch gearbox was originally conceived back in the 1930s by half-track inventor Adolphe Kégresse, but its first practical application didn't appear until nearly six decades later in the back end of some Porsche 956 and 962 race cars and some Audi rally cars. For whatever reason, Porsche dropped the idea in favor manually shifted automatic TipTronic gearboxes for its production cars.

Volkswagen finally brought the dual clutch system to the masses a few years ago with its DSG units. It looks like Porsche will soon finally add the setup to its road cars in the next few years with the brand name it used on the race cars - PDK for Porsche Doppel Kupplungen or Porsche Double Clutches. The TipTronic paddle shifters will be retained so that the driver can execute shifts without releasing the steering wheel. No word yet on timing or application, but as soon as we know you will.

[Source: MotorAuthority]

Roadgoing Porsches may finally get dual clutch gearboxes originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Jun 2007 12:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Whatever stance you take in the automatic versus manual debate, if you haven't done so already, go out and sample a VW or Audi product equipped with the DSG transmission. All the positives - quicker shifts, better fuel economy, geek-cred - far outweigh the negatives and the fact that Porsche, BMW and even Chrysler are looking to develop their own dual-clutch gearbox, should tell you that DSGs are here to stay. Add to the fact that they may also be cheaper to produce and service, it didn't take anymore convincing for Ford and its Swedish arm, Volvo, to decide that they better throw their hat into the game.

WhatCar is reporting that a DSG-like tranny will find its way into Volvo models within the next two years and rumor has it that a high-performance version of the C30 will be one of the first vehicles to come equipped with the new gearbox.

In addition to Volvo's use of the dual-clutch setup, expect to see it carry over into Ford's vehicles as well, much like the migration from slush boxes that VW is in the process of executing.

[Source: What Car?]

Related Links:

Volvo, Ford will get their own DSG originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 04 Nov 2006 08:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The dual-clutch gearbox's popularity has grown immensely over the past three years and that popularity only stands to grow. Average motorists have enjoyed the DSG's smooth shifting and economical fuel consumption, while enthusiasts appreciate the trick technology and uber-quick gear changes. Volkswagen already announced that they plan on replacing all their automatic transmission vehicles with DSG in the next five years and here's a stat for you -- half of all GTIs sold are equipped with paddle shifters.

DaimlerChrysler has recognized the benefits of the DSG over conventional, torque converter-equipped automatics and has decided to invest $560 million in a new assembly plant in Kokomo, Indiana to manufacturer their own version of the DSG. Partnering with Getrag, the automaker plans on creating 700,000 units annually, with production set to begin in 2009. The models that stand to benefit from the new transmission are primarily front-wheel drive vehicles, including the Avenger, Sebring and all manner of minivan. Additionally, the transmission will find an ideal partner with D.C.'s new Phoenix V6 engine, which will also make an appearance in 2010.

Industry analysts recognize that the greatest source of competition with DSGs are the continuously variable transmissions (CVTs), but one expert cited in Automotive News expects that the number of DSG-equipped vehicles in the U.S. will rise from it's current 0.2-percent to 3.3-percent by 2012. The more the merrier in our eyes.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Chrysler developing dual-clutch tranny for FWD vehicles originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Oct 2006 08:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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