It has to come to light that in search for better engine performance and lower levels of emission, German auto maker Volkswagen is developing a 10-speed Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) with dual clutch system. This will be fitted in many of the future premium Volkswagen vehicles across the world. At present, the ZF 8-speed automatic gearbox is a preferred choice for most of the luxury car manufacturers. Interestingly, Land Rover has announced launch of a cutting edge 9-speed automatic transmission system (AT) during March 2013. Apart from Volkswagen, American auto makers like General Motors and Ford Motor Co. are also working on 9-speed and 10-speed transmission gearboxes.
Speaking at the Vienna Motor Symposium, Volkswagen Group Chief Martin Winterkorn stated that the company is also working on a new high-performance diesel engine, which would bring down CO2 emissions to its target of 95 gm/kg by the year 2020. This power-mill would be capable of developing 134 bhp of power per 1000 cc of engine capacity. It would have a variable valve train assembly, with a high pressure injection system and a new e-booster, which is an electric turbocharger. Winterkorn also felt that the efficiency of petrol and diesel engines could be improved by an additional 15 per cent through enhancements in the fuel combustion process by using lightweight design and enforcing some principles of thermal management.
Commenting on the future where natural gas technology could also be deployed in vehicles, he said, “The technology is fully developed and the vehicles are already in the market. We need to make the public even more aware of the benefits of natural gas engines. Everyone needs to play their part in this: carmakers, politicians and the fuel industry.”
At present, plug-in technology is commonly used in vehicles, as it is the most efficient powertrain option for the long run. But based on the developments being made by Volkswagen, Ford Motor Co. and General Motors, the future of energy-efficient vehicles looks bright.
