Volkswagen's six-speed DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox) transmission has already been heavily praised in the automotive media for its fast, positive shifts and fuel-saving benefits. In fact, Volkswagen has already sold around one million of the units in vehicles worldwide. In an effort to further improve the gearbox, the German automaker is rolling out an upgraded DSG that adds another speed to the shifting mix.
The seven-speed DSG, which has been under development for some time, is poised to enter European production in the Golf and Golf Plus with either a 1.9 TDI or 1.4 TSI engine, at a cost of 1,750 euros (around $2,510). In addition to featuring an extra gear, the new unit is the first DSG to be mounted in a front-transverse configuration, as well as using dry clutches rather than those immersed in oil. Volkswagen says these changes allow for greater efficiency, resulting in greater fuel economy in the two models in which it is initially being installed.
VW claims a maximum torque rating of 184 lb-ft for the seven-speed DSG, meaning that it may not be an option in some of Volkswagen's higher-powered vehicles for some time. A hill-start assist system is also included in both of the models offered with the seven-speed DSG, which holds brake pressure momentarily after releasing the footbrake, keeping the vehicle still just before moving off.
There is no word yet on when we'll be seeing the seven-speed DSG stateside, though the introduction may come with the heavily rumored 2009 redesign of the Rabbit/GTI. In its current configuration, the seven-speed DSG appears to be strong enough to handle the type of power that would likely be produced by the next-generation Rabbit and derivatives, save upcoming R32 variants.