I'm expecting something on par looks-wise with and S4 but of cheaper quality.

 

bah, why do these interior designers even waste my time. they could at least try to be realistic. ok, thanks though that does make sense

 

Which GTI is this? Most car magazines list the old 1.8T 6 spd GTI (180 hp) as having a 1/4 mile anywhere from 14.7-15.2. Even if it is not the new 200hp version a 14.7 isn't exactly fast.

 

New model as tested: Golf GTI AXX FSI-turbo, 200ps/28.6kg
Video had another race showing GTI 6MT time attack on Tsukuba circuit doing 1:129, the DSG lapped it in 1:125 despite being 44lbs heavier.

So far the DSG has convinced both Jeremy Clarkson and Keiichi Tsuchiya, and those two are very harsh critics. If you just care about performance, the DSG type transmissions are now undeniably faster. What's even better is that it gets 5-15% more mileage than it's manual counterpart by not having the torque converter.

I might miss the feel and control of a stick, but I think it can be made up for somewhat if you screw in a longer shifter, reverse wire the shift directions so you can get a JGTC race car feel. Simple to do.

Let's face it, mitsu will not throw a simple "automatic" in it's world-renowned flagship tuner car if it's inferior to a 6spd. DSG is a race proven technology that has finally trickled down to the masses, it will continue to be engineered to push the envelope even higher, making three pedals more and more obsolete in the future. It's not called an Evolution for nothing.

 

The rest of the interior could easily be designed to be functional and attractive..with quality materials. But instead it seems the manufacturers always have to be different, or just try something new for no reason. Hope it changes dramatically from the concept in my opinion.

The electrical switches in the concept X look like they belong in a 1980s suburban or something.

 

I think you mean than it's "automatic" counterpart. If you look at the TDIClub monthly mpg figures there is absolutely no question that DSG gets worse mpg than a manual. I'm still downloading the video you mentioned, but what is 1:129 and 1:125? Is that one minute, 12.9 seconds vs one minute, 12.5 seconds? As in a 0.3% difference? As for being "race proven," what race cars have used DSG successfully? The Audi R8 uses an electro-pneumatic trans, and the R10 definitely does NOT use DSG either. If it's such a wonderful transmission and it's so reliable you'd think they'd love to use it for LeMans.

 

The R8 had a DSG exactly similar in operation to the ones on the market today meaning the electrohydraulically controlled twin-clutches.
They used it while winnig LeMans 3 times in a row. What's even better is the 2007 Audi R8 due to be released will come with the 7speed DSG. As for the R10 they found another sequential trans to better mate with its diesel engine.

I agree for some people little could substitute the fun of driving a traditional manual. For others, the DSG-type tranny is perfect. European manufacturers have already started to mass-implement DSG, and Japanese show signs of following suit.

 

AFAIK the R8 uses a Ricardo six-speed sequential transmission. It is not a DSG transmission. Didn't we just have a whole discussion on how the DSG is superior to say an SMG?

 

It used DSG. And whether it's a DSG or equivalent sequential you simply can't dismerit them anymore when it comes to performance, which was your original argument.
Anything else, like driving excitement, style or perference are your own inarguable truths.

 

I think you meant automatic counterpart since manuals do not have torque converters.

I think the main concern is being the first and wether the car is tuner friendly. I am thinking most of the poeple who buy SMG equipped Evos will leave them alone. Most of us who want to buy parts and dream of 600+ hp will opt for the manual box. I have no doubt that one day SMG's and CVTs will rule the world, and that if they can build them now to handle the power of F1 cars, that one day that robustness will be in a future Evo, I just think most hardocre tuners will be wary of this new technology in an Evo.

 

It is not DSG. See here:

http://www.ricardo.com/engineeringse...?page=products

Note you can actually use it with a manual shifter. There is not a single professional racecar that uses DSG, and none has ever won a race that I know of. There are plenty that have won with SMG or F1s.

 

BTW on that same page they list the Mitsubishi Evo Grp N Gearkit dogbox. Now THAT'S a transmission I'd like in my Evo!

 

The LeMans winning R8 used a dual-clutch DSG type transmission. While it may not be called DSG you have to remember DSG is a trademark coined by VW only recently.
The principle and technology behind DSG has been used extensively in motorsport for the past 20 years starting as far back as 1985 when Walter Rohrl successfully tested it in his Audi Sport quattro S1.

Since then, the dual-clutch has been used in the ISMA GTO, countless rallies, LeMans, etc. Actually Porsche originally lent Audi their PDK (Porsche Double Klutch) design from their 956/962 Lemans racers.

 

Some pictures of the Concept-X from www.thecarlounge.net

 

BAM!