VW already offers an “Automatic” DSG transmission on their diesel vehicles that does not require “gear selection” from the driver. This Auto DSG transmission pre-sets the next gear up or down (two 3-speed transmissions linked together), thus allowing shifting in roughly a quarter of a second. And without input from the driver AND faster than humanly possible to boot.

Best of both worlds – the perfect trans already exists.

“…discredited”? What on God’s green are you talking about?

And this man is allowed to write on automotive topics?

A vast amount of people in their automatics still don’t pay attention to “direction, traffic, available grip and speed.” In fact, more and more pay VERY close attention to their phone conversation, their grande latte, and their own reflections in the mirror.

A manual or at least something requiring both hands is still the way to go…..but we’ve had this conversation before.

Bob Elton is confused.

(Although I’m sure this goes unsaid) driving stick makes you pay (at least in my oppinion) *more attention* to the road. I find the drive much more engaging… but as everyone has mentioned, this topic has been over-discussed as of late.

Because, you know, no one drives stick for the enjoyment of it.

Bob Elton needs to be put in charge of pushing a broom. He obviously has no idea what a DSG/Dualtronic transmission is, how it works, or what advantages it has.

WTF…? Yes, a lock-up torque converter establishes a physical engagement so there’s no slip. However, an automatic constantly requires hydraulic power where the DSG only needs it during shifting. That’s the difference in efficiency.

This guy is the opposite of a less on…he is a moron…DSG will work just like an “automatic” if the user is so inclined. In fact, better than any true Automatic I’ve driven. Bet he’s never even driven a DSG-equipped car.

It looks like we are both getting paid a good amount of money on which you refer to as a “WASTE OF TIME”. This transmission is better than an automatic. This transmission is better than the longitudial 6 speed from GM that goes into their Z06 and XLR-V. VW is not afraid to put such an engineering marvel into a $20K car. Bob, Are you still upset about Oldsmobile????

This guy needs to be shot. He probably drives a hyundai accent to work every day writing ill-informed columns about cars or technology he’s never experienced. Not only is DSG the future, I think every car company will offer it in soon just to stay competitive. I still like good ‘ol fashioned stick though for the most smiles per miles…

Funny how DSG shifts faster, smoother, cost the same as a normal auto, is more efficient, has a fully auto mode that can rival basically any auto transmission ever built, yet this Bob guy say its worse than an automatic.

Having manual mode that spirited drivers would love is just a bonus, its better than a torque converter automatic, get over it.

this article is a “waste of time”… Who’s paying this guy? who’s publishing his stupid thoughts? Is this guy really an automotive journalist? If so, he gives them a bad name…

“Ideally, an improved automatic transmission would keep the engine close to an ideal rpm range for the speed, load and performance of the car. It would accomplish this task with as little lost power as possible and not interfere with the driver’s ability to drive.”

Uhh, has he never heard of CVT? Having driven an A4 with CVT as a loaner, that is exactly what it does.

In my opinion any automatic means the driver most likely won’t be paying complete attention to the real job at hand – driving the freakin vehicle – and instead be multitasking or doing something else that should be done at a desk or home..

Yank their license(s), take away their chariot and give each and every one of ‘em a freakin bus pass so I can “drive” my car and not be forced to look out for their stupidity or lack of managing time better..

Should try a Nissan Toroidal CVT.

Apparently, John, you don’t realise that “the Truth about Cars” and “Leftlane news” are interrelated. Along with some other sites. Nobody is always right, and personal prefrence influences…but that Farago guy is right on the mark most always.

Bob has missed the mark with his anti-DSG rant because he fails to consider the fact that DSGs can be used as automatics which free the driver from having to change gears at all. His point seems to be over the paddles – why not build a DSG without the paddle controls to satisfy people like Bob who don’t want to be concerned with the option of changing gears themselves? But for the rest of us, who like to row gears manually the DSG is an option which gives the best of both worlds: “to change or not to change, that is the question.” It may not be perfect, but it’s pretty darn good.

I don’t care how precise, how quick or how efficient these new auto trannys are now or will be in the future. I want to “drive” the car with a clutch and shifter. No computer is going to shift gears for me.

I drove an a3 and loved it. It was so slick that I couldn’t have shifted more appropriately. perfect. too bad i disliked the rest of the car. not sexy, but a wonderful transportation device…