Author: yoann besnard

Volkswagen’s first seven-speed DSG for Golf and Golf Plus

In a previous post I talked about the two awards given to Volkswagen for its TSI family engine and I mentioned that the 1.4-litre petrol engine was associated with a DSG gearbox. At that tine, I was wrong as it was only available with a manual gearbox, but I’m now right as Volkswagen has announced that its seven-speed twin clutch gearbox will be featured as on option with the 1.4-litre TSI petrol unit and the 1.9-litre TDI diesel engine on the Golf and Golf Plus models.
The DSG is an electronically controlled, twin-shaft dual-clutch manual gearbox, without a conventional clutch pedal, with full automatic, or semi-manual control. In other words, it is two separate manual gearboxes, contained within one housing, and working as one unit. Compared to an automatic gearbox, the DGS offers several advantages. It has an extremely fast shift time of 8 milliseconds when shifting to the gear the transmission is expecting, has practically no power loss, due to the use of clutches instead of a torque converter and offers a better fuel economy than the planetary geared automatic transmission and manual transmission. But it also has its problems. When shifting to a gear that the transmission did not anticipate, shift time is lengthy with a roughly time of 400ms and the DSG is heavy: 75kg vs. 47.5 for a comparable manual gearbox.
The latest iterations available on the Golf and Gold Plus adds to new features as well. Firstly, it is the first DSG for front-traverse installation. Secondly, it is the first with clutches that are not immersed in oil, but which run “dry“. This allows the latest Volkswagen DSG to achieve an even greater level of efficiency. The maximum torque that can be transmitted is up to 250 newton-meters.
The 1.9-litre TDI engine associated with the seven-speed DSG has a consumption of 0.7 litres per 100 km lower than the same engine hooked up to the six-speed DSG transmission.
December 22, 2007
Another sluggish for the Japanese market in 2008

2008 will be another gloomy year for the Japanese automative market as the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association has forecasted a 1.2% decrease. The market will likely record its 26-year low with 5,383,700 vehicles.
Surprisingly, the Kei car market will suffer the most with a 2% decrease to 1,892,000 vehicles while bigger vehicles included trucks and buses will slow down by 0.8% to 3,427,000 vehicles.
The decrease is, of course, linked to the recent higher oil prices but also to the crisis that has lasted for the last sixteen years. Also young Japanese people are less interested in cars than their parents and don’t see a car as a sign of wealth, especially in larger cities.
Japanese car makers plan to fight the sluggish environment by releasing more new models, but there is a few chance it will reverse the current order.
December 21, 2007
Tata to pay £1.05 billion for Jaguar and Land Rover

According to PTI, Indian news agency, Tata has offered $2.05 billion/ £1,02 billion to Ford for both British brands while Mahinda & Mahindar has offered a smaller amount of $1.9 billion/££950 million. There is no mention of the third bidder OneEquity, but it is rumoured that Ford prefers an automotive company to take over the iconic British brands.
An announcement should be made within two weeks with probably more details and 2008 should bring Tata’s plans over the future of the two brands and link with Ford. It is unknown whether Ford will keep an interest in both companies or not as it did with Aston Martin.
December 20, 2007
Honda to sell NSX successor by 2010

Honda has announced that it will release a new NSX by 2010. This is not good news as the car was expected to be unveiled next year and hit the showrooms in 2009.
How Honda, once the most brilliant engine manufacturer, can take so long time to develop a successor to the NSX? It is rumoured that the executives thought at one moment to give up all sporty models to focus on diesel engines but changed their mind later as sporty models would help the car maker to sell more cars and would improve the brand image.
If the car is planed for 2010, Honda will likely unveil the car at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show. According to the Japanese car magazine Best Car, the nippy Honda will feature a V8 engine whose displacement will be either 4-litre or 4.5-litre. It would also feature the in-house all-wheel drive transmission.
The car will hit the American market at first as Acura’s deployment on the Japanese market has been postponed to 2011.
December 20, 2007
Toyota to unveil the first crossover sedan at Detoit

In a short and mysterious press release, Toyota has announced that it will unveil a crossover sedan at the next Detroit Motor Show.
Dubbed Venza, it is not a concept car but a production model which will be a blend of a sedan and a SUV roomy enough for five persons. The mysterious car will be only sold in the US and will be built at the Georgetown factory.
December 20, 2007
Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart: unexpected attack from Mitsu

The Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart is the company’s serious attempt to take on the recently launched Subaru WRX. On the menu 236bhp and twin clutch transmission.
The sporty version will be available with a choice of two bodies, the current saloon and the hatchback due to be unveiled at the next Geneva Motor Show. Some observers think the saloon will be intended for the US marker while Europe will get the hatchback. Sharing components with the Evo X, the Ralliart will feature the Mitsubishi’s all-wheel drive system with Active Yaw Control and Active Centre Differential.
Exact spec remains unknown but the car will sport a Ralliart radiator grille and will feature an aluminium bonnet panel, Recaro front seats, and sports steering wheel with paddle shift. Pricing should be close to the Subaru Impreza and VW Golf R32
Source: Autoblog
December 20, 2007
Creventic to unveil a circuit-biased Audi R8 in January

The Audi R8 has been more than well acclaimed by professional and has received several awards but oddly nobody had thought to bring the car on circuit until now. Netherlands-based Creventic BV is preparing a circuit version for the next 24 hours of Dubai.
Dubbed CR-8 to avoid confusion with the 24 hours Le Mans winner, it features a few changes. The engine gains 10 bhp to 424bhp with the help a re-mapped ECU. The main changes concern the suspension and new race spec. 18-inch BBS competition tires. The car also gets a 90 litre racing fuel tank and saves 660 lbs to weigh only 2976 lbs.
Creventic will be unveiled two CR-8 at Dubai in January.
Click here to see all the pictures
Read also: Dubai Motor Show: MTM R888
December 20, 2007
We are more accident prone across the Channel
Let’s be honest. We love crossing the Channel to chase bargains on the continent and it appears that we are more accident prone there because of our ignorance of road laws. “There are 45 major differences in the road laws between member states in the EU and people are just not aware of them,” said GEM Chief Executive David Williams. “It is not just a matter of ‘driving on the wrong side of the road’ that many seem to believe.”
Formerly known as the Guild of Experienced Motorists, the GEM is supporting a report published by the Association of British Insurers that warns of the dangers and is also urging people to apply for a free copy of its booklet A Guide to Driving in Europe.
You can order a booklet on www.motoringassist.com or call 01342 825676
December 20, 2007
Five stars for the Mazda 2 at EuroNCAP

The small Mazda won five stars at the latest EuroNCAP test and got 34 points out of 37 which is good news for the well acclaimed model.
This good score is interesting as Mazda focused on reducing weight recently. The Mazda 2 is nearly 100 kilograms lighter than the former model and still achieves the best score like its rivals. For many years, the weight has been justified by car maker as consequence of more equipment and more safety systems. Well, Mazda proved that it is still possible to make a light and safe car.
However if the Mazda 2 offers a high level of safety protection for occupants, the pedestrian safety is not so glorious as the small Mazda scores an average. In a world, it’s safer to be in a Mazda than being a pedestrian.
December 20, 2007
Top Gear toys for Christmas

If you are a Top Gear aficionado, you have probably watched all the seasons. Well, if you a son, it’s time to educate him to the best things in life thanks to Top Gear which sells various toys which will likely remind you the best episodes.
Let’s start with the great Aygo football match that featured two team of Aygos and a giant ball: £29.50

Don’t forget the Areil Atom: £9.99

We all remember the Reliant Shuttle which did rather well for a first attempt: £19.99

If you want to be generous, jump on the Top Gear circuit: £65.
December 20, 2007