Improved, but uncertain Down Under.
VW today announced a more efficient manual gearbox, reducing emissions and fuel consumption, while providing better comfort on large rims.
Dubbed ‘MQ281’, the three-pedal transmission will debut on the facelifted 2020 Volkswagen Passat sedan and wagon, which will flow onto other Volkswagen models.
MQ281 is said to save up to 5g/km of CO2 — particularly important in Europe where emission regulations are increasingly strict — with only ‘slight modifications’ to the existing ‘MQ250’ and ‘MQ350’ Volkswagen gearbox designs.
Volkswagen says this refined manual is designed to cope the trend of larger-diameter wheels which places high demand on the transmission, derived from SUVs.
However, the Australian market won’t receive any three-pedaled Passat’s when it lobs by the year’s end, and future models, including the T-Cross, T-Roc and upcoming Mk8 Golf are uncertain to feature a manual, either.
Adaptations were made including a bearing concept that further reduces friction with low-contact seals, along with material use and its distribution for the gearbox housing.
This results in less noise, noticeable vibrations and harshness in the cabin, otherwise known as ‘NVH’, for improved comfort.
Furthermore, the auto giant has designed a new oil conduction system that achieves optimum lubrication of gear wheels and bearings with just 1.5 litres of lifetime oil.
MQ281 is compatible with engines that have a torque spectrum of 200Nm to 340Nm.
It is based on a 2.5 shaft concepts and contains a higher gear spread of 7.89 to ensure performance and fuel economy at high speed.
Mass production has commenced in the company’s Spanish and Argentinean factories.
The Connected by Henry Man 