Jun 27, 2006 4:55:33 AM
- cookie monster
- Senior
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- Loc: US , United States
- Posts: 564, Gallery
- Registered on: Dec 8, 2005
PDK/DSG rollouts and Porsche's future direction
Just out of curiosity, as we all know that there had been much rumours around PDK/DSG type of gearbox rollout, do most people agree that the trend is for automakers to transfer technologies?
Well the whole VAG and this year's 2006's Porsche increasing stake in VW to 20% means that there should be significant technology transfers between the groups. In terms of R&D, this means tons of cost saving as automakers co-develop platforms each sharing expertise. This is the classical economics theory on trade as each country focuses on what they are best at. Hence, it is only a matter of time (my 2 cents) before we see the same gearbox being used across brands with a different name being slapped onto it with little tweaks.
However, some critics and purists really go against this world phenomenon on auto-giants all coming together (Daimler-Chrysler creating the DCAG group with the Chrysler Crossfire pretty much a SLK with a different badge and look but 80% technology shared). It's all an interesting phenomenon as basically Porsche owns 20% of VW and VAG was officially finished with the introduction of the Volkswagen Group and the two brand groups (Volkswagen brand group including VW, Skoda, Bentley, etc. and Audi brand group including Audi, SEAT and Lamborghini).
(http://www.audi.com/etc/medialib/cms4imp/audi/company/financial_information/2006/pdf.Par.0018.File.pdf
Critics say Porsche's investment in Volkswagen signals the beginning of the end for the Porsche brand's focus and independence. I don't know if I should agree or disagree but it is a fact stemming from the basic laws of economics on trade.
Hence I wouldn't be surprised that the lymbo will get another (x-tronic) type of gear box to replace the E gears and our beloved Porsches will soon get a DSG transferred PDK type of gearbox.
Well the whole VAG and this year's 2006's Porsche increasing stake in VW to 20% means that there should be significant technology transfers between the groups. In terms of R&D, this means tons of cost saving as automakers co-develop platforms each sharing expertise. This is the classical economics theory on trade as each country focuses on what they are best at. Hence, it is only a matter of time (my 2 cents) before we see the same gearbox being used across brands with a different name being slapped onto it with little tweaks.
However, some critics and purists really go against this world phenomenon on auto-giants all coming together (Daimler-Chrysler creating the DCAG group with the Chrysler Crossfire pretty much a SLK with a different badge and look but 80% technology shared). It's all an interesting phenomenon as basically Porsche owns 20% of VW and VAG was officially finished with the introduction of the Volkswagen Group and the two brand groups (Volkswagen brand group including VW, Skoda, Bentley, etc. and Audi brand group including Audi, SEAT and Lamborghini).
(http://www.audi.com/etc/medialib/cms4imp/audi/company/financial_information/2006/pdf.Par.0018.File.pdf
Critics say Porsche's investment in Volkswagen signals the beginning of the end for the Porsche brand's focus and independence. I don't know if I should agree or disagree but it is a fact stemming from the basic laws of economics on trade.
Hence I wouldn't be surprised that the lymbo will get another (x-tronic) type of gear box to replace the E gears and our beloved Porsches will soon get a DSG transferred PDK type of gearbox.
) and drive it pedal to the metal or enjoy watching the match.
