Autoblog

Porsche, like every other automaker under the sun, is under pressure to produce vehicles with improved fuel efficiency that emits less CO2. The current 911 puts out 225 g/km of CO2, but Porsche believes that it can hack another 10 g/km off that figure with the implementation of start-stop technology on its flat-six engines. Not so fast, say Porschephiles. According to the automaker, buyers aren't fond of such a feature on their arse-engined performance machines. Porsche didn't cite the reasons behind consumer's reluctance, but a 10 g/km reduction doesn't seem like much in the overall product scheme of Porsche.

During the launch of the 2009 911, CAR asked Porsche engineers what the CO2 limitations are of the current flat-six, and according to Thomas Wasserback, "it might be possible to produce a Boxster that emits 180 g/km, it would be difficult to engineer a 911 to produce 200." However, Porsche intents to maintain current performance levels, despite a possible reduction in engine output, by lessening equipment levels and making use of more lightweight materials and body shells. Interestingly, Porsche estimates that the new 911s equipped with the seven-speed PDK transmission, which increases fuel economy and decreases emissions, will account for 80-percent of all 2009 911s sold and could spell the end of the stick shift within five years. However, manual transmissions will remain standard on Porsche's 911 Turbo, GT2 and RS models due to the torque limitations of the PDK gearbox, but a stronger version of the 'box is in development, so expect to see dual-clutch technology on all those models in the coming years.


[Source: CAR]

Chrysler and Getrag are teaming up to build a transmission plant in Indiana, at a cost of around $530 million. The production center, set to open in 2009, will produce approximately 700,000 dual-clutch transmissions annually in Tipton, Indiana.

The new plant will employ about 1,000 Chrysler workers, all under the watchful eye of Getrag execs.

No details about the new gearbox, or its applications, were available, but with production expected to reach 700k a year, we'd expect the new DSG to populate the majority of Chrysler's offerings.

[Source: Reuters]

Although punching buttons to change gears is something that's been around for decades, these newest spy pics from KGP confirm that the new Jaguar XF and XK are likely to receive a setup reminiscent of the console found on the C-XF concept that debuted in Detroit.

The flat panel design, partially concealed by the test driver's hand, reveals a large red ignition button placed atop letters displaying the traditional "PRND." The image doesn't reveal how gear selection will be made, but if it's anything like the design shown on the concept (above), it's going to be way cooler than the Powerflite trannies of yesteryear.

[Source: Straightline]

It looks like the dual-clutch preselector transmission is emerging as the leader in automated manuals. Volkswagen's DSG has been around a while and offers fewer compromises than less purpose-built manuals. Ford's champing at the bit to get their own trick DSG-like transmission into production, and it looks like we'll see such a unit drop soon with the PowerShift moniker. Gearbox maker Getrag has several different variations on the theme, and word is they'll start off in PAG brand like Volvo first and then trickle down to other Fords as a premium option. Volvo is a logical entry point, as the marque's S40 T5 can be mentioned in the same breath as the A3 without the entire room snickering.

The core engineering seems to be essentially the same, with the packaging, max ratio spread and durability of the innards varying among the different configurations. Applications cover the various vehicle architectures of FR, FF, and MR, plus AWD, though we're not sure if the center differential is a seperate unit or integral to the trans. They're mostly six-speeds, although there is a seven-speed version with triple cone synchronizers and a max torque capacity of 750Nm. The exciting thing is that these transmissions reportedly have Job 1 dates in 2007, so we should see the debut soon in something. Europe will likely get them first in the diesel S40/V50s. There's a version rumored to be destined for the Fiesta, which is destined here, so before long, we may all be revelling in the perfectly executed blip-blip downshift as we clip the apex and get back on the power to exit fast while behind the wheel of a Ford vehicle.

[Source: GM Inside News]

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:

• VW to replace all automatics with DSG
• Chrysler developing dual-clutch tranny for FWD vehicles
• 7-Speed DSG for Porsche?
• EVO X to get double-clutch gearbox

Volkwagen's Direct Shift Gearbox/S-Tronic twin clutch gearbox has been fairly canonized by all who have mashed its paddles. And now, the automaker's product chief Wolfgang Bernhard is suggesting that the gearbox will replace all of its conventional automatics in much of the VW kingdom shortly, including transverse-mount Audis, Skodas, Seats, and VWs. Apparently, VW is having a issues dealing with longitudinal applications at the moment.

Bernhard also allowed that the VW has no plans to license the technology, preferring to keep the transmission for itself.

[Source: The Car Connection]