The twin-clutch computerized transmission’s rarity at VW simply went up.
On the reveal of the 2025 Taos on Thursday in Orlando, Florida, Volkswagen informed Motor Authority its DSG dual-clutch computerized transmission is now lifeless within the U.S. other than some efficiency automobile purposes.
The 2024 Taos compact crossover SUV was the final mainstream holdout to supply the automaker’s DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox), and it was paired with the all-wheel-drive mannequin. Entrance-wheel drive fashions had already moved on to a standard 8-speed computerized transmission with a torque converter. The refreshed 2025 Taos drops the dual-clutch transmission fully with all fashions now sporting the 8-speed computerized with a torque converter.
“It was a check within the Taos. When you might have a hatchback and also you want an SUV, you’re transferring out of your GTI. It was a query whether or not mass-market adopters transferring from a smaller automobile like a GTI would discover that good, and we listened to buyer suggestions,” VW product supervisor Melinda Godec informed MA.
2025 Volkswagen Taos
Godec mentioned the Taos is a conquest automobile that grabs market share and patrons from opponents. These competitor automobiles do not have dual-clutch computerized transmissions, and the DSG did not meet their driving expectations. The difficulty stemmed from smoothness of shifts and transmission engagement off the road. With the DSG, there is a lag because the clutches interact when transferring ahead from a cease.
“We have to meet them (the shopper) the place they’re and never anticipate modified habits,” Godec mentioned.
The final automobiles to hold on with VW’s DSG dual-clutch computerized transmission are the Jetta GLI sport sedan together with the Golf GTI and Golf R sizzling hatches.
Godec mentioned that Volkswagen is seeing gross sales quantity enhance due to U.S.-specific construct configurations for client preferences.
Volkswagen launched the DSG dual-clutch computerized transmission within the 2003 Mk4 Golf R32 sizzling hatch, however the transmission did not come to the U.S. till 2007 with the Mk5 R32.