Some of you may've read this already, but in case not:

http://money.cnn.com/2009/07/08/news...ion=2009070906

 

Very interesting read, thanks for posting

I'm not sure if it is too exciting seeing both companies using very similar parts though I hope they're very careful going forward with the idea as both brands may lose their "soul" and uniqueness.

 

agreed. If Mercedes will be the same or similar to BMW, my next car will be skyline

 

No problem - thought it'd be enjoyed 'round these parts.

Agreed on the joint-procurement issue - although both seem to suggest they're looking to keep their separate and distinct philosophies intact. It wouldn't bother me if the E63 and M5 both shared a bulletproof DSG-style transmission, for example - it's the implementation of the tranny, TCU programming, how it matches the engine's character, etc. that'll make for a unique AMG or M experience, my $0.02.

 

Yeah, thanks for posting the article. Interesting.

I sorta suspected some of the C Class parts in the W212.

I think this kind of thing will be the trend now, and not just with MB. It works for Audi/VW and Porsche shares from their parts bins, too.

 

interesting read

 

alot of can manufactors use shared parts.

in japan, USA, Eurpe

no harm in that if each brand makes u feel unique in a way

 

tranny has to match the engine. the DSG and SMG transmissions have very low factory torque ratings. The VW/Audi DSG clutchpacks are only rated at 268 ft-lbs of torque, from what I hear BMW ones have similar low rating.

anticipated introduction of the 7 speed AMG trans was one of the several reason they got rid of the supercharger. new tranny wasnt friendly with brute torque, but something had to be done because the 5 spd we have just doesnt compare to the BMW gearboxes driveability wise.

all i'm saying that the gearing and the overall behavior of the trans should match the desired power output of the engine. i

 

prodigymb,

Very true - they can be overbuilt and it's fine, but underbuilt is a different story. Technology marches forward... I wouldn't be surprised to see a strong DSG-style tranny, sourced from ZF or Getrag, used by several manufacturers in their performance lines in the coming years... we're obviously not talking 2007 level tech, if they're only in the initial stages of the joint-procurement discussions... probably looking at "twenty-teens" model years before we'd even see it.

BTW - the Veyron is a VAG DSG tranny, isn't it?

 

Correct - Veyron has 7spd dual wet clutch DSG trans rated at 1106 ft-lbs of torque. Rumors were that it was a collaboration trans of several companies and VAG engineers. Veyron also features Haldex electronically controlled all wheel drive system - which can be found in VW R32s and 3.2 Audi TT......except that it sux in the VW and can't hold any power.

Point in short - DSG that can hold a lot of power = a lot of $$$$. It will happen. Auto without torque converter is def the way of the future and not just in "sporty" cars.....even simply for the added fuel efficiency it offers.