ALL THE SPEEDS: VW Details 10-Speed Dual-Clutch Auto, Plus Next-Gen Diesels

Every year in May, the automotive world meets at the traditional engine symposium in Vienna’s baroque Hofburg center. And it’s always worth going, because there is no better place to chat up engineers and executives in a relaxed atmosphere—and to learn about the latest technologies and developments in the realm of engines and transmissions. We will have a larger wrap-up in the next Continental, but the latest from VW powertrain demands your immediate consideration.

VW R&D chief Heinz-Jakob Neusser re-confirmed plans to launch a 10-speed dual-clutch automatic, which was first announced in Vienna exactly one year ago. We now have more detail: The 10-speed has been developed specifically for the MQB modular-transversal architecture, which underpins a large number of compact and mid-size models, such as the MkVII Golf, the new Audi A3, the next-gen Passat, and an upcoming mid-size seven-seat SUV. It will work with front- and all-wheel drive applications, offers a torque capacity of 370 lb-ft (or more), and can be mated to four-, five-, and six-cylinder engines. (This last bit leads us to believe that reports of the demise of Audi’s inline-five are somewhat premature.)

Neusser also specified performance figures for the next generation of four-cylinder turbo-diesels. The EA288 2.0-liter turbo-diesel will use two turbos to make a remarkable 240 horsepower in the next generation of the European Passat, as well as 369 lb-ft of torque. The most powerful single-turbo application will make 204 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque—for now.

• Hot Hatch Throwdown: All-New 2015 VW GTI vs. Ford Focus ST!
• 2014 Volkswagen Beetle GSR Tested—It’s a Quicker, Sillier GTI
• Research: Volkswagen GTI Photos, Pricing, Reviews, Specs, and More

Both single- and twin-turbo TDI applications will eventually become even more powerful, said Neusser. And he got specific: He promised a bi-turbo 2.0-liter TDI with 280 horsepower; we’re guessing that one will create on the order of 400 lb-ft of torque or more. Twist and shout, indeed.



Continue reading...