Volkswagen's New Automatic Gearbox: A 10-Speed DSG

The Germans have always been known for the introduction of revolutionary technology, no surprises there. Talking about Volkswagen in particular, it has been responsible for a lot radical stuff, including dual-clutch gearboxes and W-shaped engine blocks, to say the least. Thanks to the company's penchant for constant progress and development, it has now announced a 10-speed dual clutch gearbox and a 268bhp TDI diesel motor among other remarkable new technologies.

Volkswagen introduced the world's first production DSG in 2003 and has since offered both 6- and 7-speed variants. The company claims the new 10-speed automatic transmission for engines with up to 550 Nm of torque contributes towards further lowering of CO2 emissions via the efficient layout of its gear steps.

Earlier this year the company had introduced a 2.0-litre twin-turbo diesel motor for its latest generation of the Passat in Europe. This motor was said to develop 236 horses back then. Interestingly, VW now says 'an intelligent advanced development of this TDI' might lead to extraction of even more power from that engine - 268 horsepower, to be precise. This, in effect, will make the new 2.0-litre TDI more powerful than its 3.0-litre V6 TDI.

Here's a complete list of the new technologies announced by Volkswagen:

1. Mild hybrid - shuts off the TSI/TDI when it is not being used

2. Stop-start 2.0 - engine shuts off at speeds under 7Km/h

3. 2.0 TDI with 240 PS* - bi-turbo Passat consumes 5.3 l/100 km

4. 2.0 TDI with 272 PS - bi-turbo plus electric booster

5. 10-speed DSG - new automatic for engines with up to 550Nm of torque

6. Lightweight design with lightweight panels - sandwich construction from motorsport

7. Infrared-reflecting dashboard - pigments that reject heat

8. Low-E glass sunroof - oxide film blocks infrared radiation

9. Range manager - maximum range in Auto mode

10. Air conditioning in electric cars - need-based and extremely efficient

11. Volkswagen Car-Net - brings online services into the car

12. "Security & Service" - always informed about vehicle status

13. App Connect - welcome to "Apple CarPlay" and "Android Auto"

14. Volkswagen Media Control - tablet control via app in the car

15. Predictive navigation - the first navigation system that "learns"

16. Personalisation - individual settings at all times

17. Easy Open - open sesame 2.0

18. Easy Close - the Passat Estate now closes automatically