The Direct-Shift Gearbox is a semi-automatic transmission invented by Volkswagen (which also owns the Audi brand). By using two clutches, fast shifts can be achieved, and the inefficient torque converter of a regular automatic transmission is eliminated. Semi-automatic transmission, or clutchless manual transmission, is a system which uses electronic sensors, processors and actuators to do gear shifts on the command of the driver. ... Volkswagen (VW) is an automobile manufacturer based in Wolfsburg, Germany. ... Press photograph of the newly merged Audi NSU range, 1969. ... This article is about an automotive technology. ... A torque converter is a hydraulic device prevalent in automatic transmissions and marine propulsion systems, such as diesel powered ships, where two or more engines are driving a common shaft. ... An automatic transmission is an automobile gearbox that can change gear ratios automatically as the car or truck moves, thus freeing the driver from having to shift gears manually. ...

Essentially, the engine drives two clutch packs simultaneously. The outer clutch pack drives gears 1, 3, and 5 (and reverse). The inner clutch pack drives gears 2, 4, and 6. Instead of a standard large clutch plate, each clutch pack is a collection of four smaller stacked clutch plates, due to space contraints. Because the alternate clutch pack's gearing can be pre-selected, upshifts occur in an impressive 8ms, though downshifts still take 600 to 900ms. [1] [2]

External links

http://www.mk5gti.com - Check out their FAQ for more DSG information.

• Glossary-Article from Audi.com