---
title: "VW 10-Speed DSG Transmission Project Axed, Report Says"
description: "The quest for more gears comes to a halt."
date: "2017-05-09"
modified: "2017-05-09"
authors:
  - name: "Caleb Jacobs"
    job_title: "Senior Editor"
    link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/caleb-jacobs"
url: "https://www.thedrive.com/article/10117/vw-10-speed-dsg-transmission-project-axed-report-says"
categories:
  - "News"
tags:
  - "10-Speed Automatic"
  - "Dual Clutch Transmission"
  - "Volkswagen"
---

# VW 10-Speed DSG Transmission Project Axed, Report Says

![](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/images-by-url-td/content/2017/05/vw-atlas-hero-image.jpg>)
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A recent report from *Automotive News* tells that [Volkswagen](<https://www.thedrive.com/article/9997/volkswagen-beetle-scirocco-likely-axed-due-to-dieselgate-costs>) has decided to discontinue the development of their 10-speed dual clutch transmission. Originally intended to compete against the likeness of General Motors and Ford, the multi-speed gearbox aimed at improving fuel economy while handling high torque applications, including the former diesel models produced by the company.

According to *AN,* current VW powertrain head Friedrich Eichler announced the decision at last month's Vienna Motor Symposium.

The project was originally piloted by[ former Volkswagen CEO Martin Winterkorn](<https://www.thedrive.com/news/7029/former-vw-ceo-winterkorn-swears-he-had-no-advance-knowledge-of-diesel-emissions-cheating>) in 2013. Eichler says that the gearbox followed the automaker's past mantra of "bigger is better", an attitude which it has since turned away from.

*AN* reports that Winterkorn promoted the transmission's improved friction reduction and wide gear ratio, making it usable in various applications. That wasn't enough to save it, though.

“Two months ago, I had the prototype crushed,” Eichler said.

Although this project never reached production, Eichler didn't dismiss the possibility of a 10-speed 'box in the future. With the company rapidly evolving its technology for coming models, it's not unlikely that we will see a transmission with a greater number of speeds from VW eventually. Other manufacturers have proved the worth of nine- and 10-speed gearboxes in terms of performance and fuel economy, both of which Volkswagen surely looks to improve. With its recent introduction of the [Atlas](<https://www.thedrive.com/new-cars/9083/the-2018-volkswagen-atlas-finally-solves-vws-america-problem>) and [T-Roc Concept,](<https://www.thedrive.com/article/9746/volkswagen-teases-new-t-roc-compact-suv>) the automaker may have to improve fuel consumption across their range to meet the[ coming EPA standards.](<https://www.thedrive.com/news/8570/obama-epas-2025-fuel-economy-standards-could-cost-40-percent-less-than-estimated-report-says>)

## Author
Caleb Jacobs is The Drive’s senior editor. When he’s not searching for stories or poring over copy, he’s usually driving his dump truck or wishing it was running so he could drive it. He was born and raised in the Missouri Ozarks, and he lives there today with his family.

### Author social links  
[LinkedIn](<https://www.linkedin.com/in/caleb-jacobs-319323119>)  
[Instagram](<https://instagram.com/calebjwords>)  
[Twitter](<https://twitter.com/calebjacobs0611>)