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[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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>barb samardzichBarbSamardzichbreakingdual clutchdual clutch gearboxdual clutch transmis...dual clutch transmissionDualClutchDualClutchGearboxDualClutchTransmis...DualClutchTransmissionfordford ecoboostford ecobost fourFordEcoboostFordEcobostFourpowershiftTue, 21 Jul 2009 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[BMW prefers 8-speed automatic over dual-clutch for volume vehicles]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/02/bmw-prefers-8-speed-automatic-over-dual-clutch-for-volume-vehicl/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/02/bmw-prefers-8-speed-automatic-over-dual-clutch-for-volume-vehicl/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/02/bmw-prefers-8-speed-automatic-over-dual-clutch-for-volume-vehicl/#commentsFiled under:


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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmw automatic transmissionbmw transmissionbmw transmissionsBmwAutomaticTransmissionBmwTransmissionBmwTransmissionsdual clutchdual clutch gearboxdual clutch transmissionDualClutchDualClutchGearboxDualClutchTransmissionMon, 02 Feb 2009 18:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Audi S3 and S3 Sportback get S tronic dual-clutch trannies]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/17/audi-s3-and-s3-sportback-get-s-tronic-dual-clutch-trannies/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/17/audi-s3-and-s3-sportback-get-s-tronic-dual-clutch-trannies/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/17/audi-s3-and-s3-sportback-get-s-tronic-dual-clutch-trannies/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


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[2009 BMW 3-series to get DCT gearbox]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/10/2009-bmw-3-series-to-get-dct-gearbox/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/10/2009-bmw-3-series-to-get-dct-gearbox/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/10/2009-bmw-3-series-to-get-dct-gearbox/#commentsFiled under: ,



The 2008 BMW M3 won't be the only 3-series to get Bavaria's newest dual-clutch gearbox. According to documents leaked out of BMW's Australian arm, the 2009 335i coupe will be available with a revised version of the DCT gearbox, at least Down Under... for now. The dual-clutch transmission is the same unit fitted on the V8-powered M3, but some changes to the software are planned to better suit the turbocharged, 3.0-liter inline-six powerplant. There's no word on when the DCT gearbox will be available on U.S. shores and we don't know what kind of premium the seven-speed tranny will carry, but a DCT-equipped M3 commands an additional $2,700 over the six-speed manual, so expect a similar price when the revised 335i goes on sale, likely later this year.

[Source: BimmerFile]

2009 BMW 3-series to get DCT gearbox originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Jul 2008 14:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Big product changes are apparently afoot at Ford, with a series of comprehensive goals that will get more people in showrooms while simultaneously trimming costs within the automaker. FoMoCo's group veep of global product development, Derrick Kuzak, spoke at the Automotive News World Congress recently and hit on a number of points that will shape Ford's future.

To begin with, product development, styling changes and technical improvements will be on a three-year cycle, keeping it inline with many of the top tier automakers with which Ford aims to better compete. Recognizing that design is at the forefront of most consumers' minds, Kuzak said that many of the enhancements to Ford's lineup will be design-driven, noting that, "You don't design for the masses; each vehicle has a target audience."

Ford CEO Alan Mulally has talked about the reduction and proliferation of global platforms at length and Kuzak reiterated that utilizing both global architectures and engines is a cornerstone to Ford's resurgence. Kuzak says that by 2012 around 70-percent of Ford vehicles offered worldwide will be built on eight platforms.

Kuzak went on to reconfirm that the Verve is on its way to North America, but don't expect to see it until 2010 at the earliest. He also said that Ford's EcoBoost engine system will be in 43 vehicles in North America in the next four years, making up 500,000 units in NA and almost 750,000 units worldwide. Finally, he also noted that mating the EcoBoost mills with an "electronically shifted manual gearbox" could increase fuel economy by 20-percent and pay for itself in about two-and-a-half years. If that means more dual-clutch gearboxes like the one about to debut on Volvos, then more good things are underway.

[Source: Autoweek]

Ford to adopt three-year vehicle cycles, plus more Blue Oval updates originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Jan 2008 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>derrick kuzakDerrickKuzakdsgdual clutch gearboxDualClutchGearboxfordworldwide salesWorldwideSalesWed, 23 Jan 2008 15:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Getting greasy with BMW's M Dual Clutch transmission]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/17/getting-greasy-with-bmws-m-dual-clutch-transmission/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/17/getting-greasy-with-bmws-m-dual-clutch-transmission/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/17/getting-greasy-with-bmws-m-dual-clutch-transmission/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


click above for more high-res images of the BMW M3 Convertible

Honestly, we couldn't care less about BMW's recent introduction of the M3 convertible. What did get our attention is the long-awaited addition of a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox on every vehicle donning an M3 badge.

The M DKG setup uses two clutches with 1st, 3rd, 5th and 7th (plus reverse) on one shaft and 2nd, 4th and 6th on the other. Both clutches are oil-cooled and, like the systems offered by other manufacturers, the dual-clutch setup offers both quicker shifts and better fuel economy.

In typical BMW fashion, you'll have the option to select several different drive settings both in automatic and manual mode. Five shift programs can be selected when running around in the standard work-a-day auto setting, while six shifting selections can be made in manual, including the always entertaining launch control setting.

There's no doubt that all of this will be an improvement over BMW's SMG transmission, but we'll have to wait until next month to see how the DKG setup handles the rigors of track duty, the daily grind and performance tests.

BMW's full press release is posted after the jump.

Gallery: 2009 BMW M3 Convertible

Continue reading Getting greasy with BMW's M Dual Clutch transmission

Getting greasy with BMW's M Dual Clutch transmission originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Jan 2008 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmw dkgbmw dkg m3bmw dual clutchbmw dual clutch m3bmw m3bmw m3 convertibleBmwDkgBmwDkgM3BmwDualClutchBmwDualClutchM3BmwM3BmwM3Convertibledual clutchdual clutch gearboxDualClutchDualClutchGearboxe92Thu, 17 Jan 2008 15:31:00 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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