A recent report from Automotive News tells that Volkswagen has decided to discontinue the development of their 10-speed dual clutch transmission. Originally intended to compete against the likeness of General Motors and Ford, the multi-speed gearbox aimed at improving fuel economy while handling high torque applications, including the former diesel models produced by the company.
According to AN, current VW powertrain head Friedrich Eichler announced the decision at last month's Vienna Motor Symposium.
The project was originally piloted by former Volkswagen CEO Martin Winterkorn in 2013. Eichler says that the gearbox followed the automaker's past mantra of "bigger is better", an attitude which it has since turned away from.
AN reports that Winterkorn promoted the transmission's improved friction reduction and wide gear ratio, making it usable in various applications. That wasn't enough to save it, though.
“Two months ago, I had the prototype crushed,” Eichler said.
Although this project never reached production, Eichler didn't dismiss the possibility of a 10-speed 'box in the future. With the company rapidly evolving its technology for coming models, it's not unlikely that we will see a transmission with a greater number of speeds from VW eventually. Other manufacturers have proved the worth of nine- and 10-speed gearboxes in terms of performance and fuel economy, both of which Volkswagen surely looks to improve. With its recent introduction of the Atlas and T-Roc Concept, the automaker may have to improve fuel consumption across their range to meet the coming EPA standards.