The DSG Gearbox (Direct Shift Gearbox), which translates from its original German name Direkt Schalt Getriebe, is the world’s first production line double clutch gearbox.

Launched in 2003, the first units were fitted to the VW MK4 Golf and was then slowly introduced to the rest of the transversely oriented engine range, paving the way for the Audi S Tronic Gearbox and more. These units are known as the DQ250 02E. They consist of a “wet clutch” system, with the option of both front two wheel drive and four wheel drive available.

In 2008, a brand new 7-speed “dry clutch” system was introduced to the range. However, with a lower power capability, this clutch system was limited to models with engines under 2000cc. The unit was identified as the DQ200 OAM, which was later superseded by the 0CW prefix.

Later that same year, a new longitudinal 7-speed “wet type clutch” version was released initially on Audi models. This purpose made Audi S Tronic Gearbox was designed to allow the same dual clutch concept to be fitted on larger, more powerful models in the VAG range, which adopted the longitudinal mounted engine type. Units known as the S Tronic Gearbox rather than the gearbox DSG had an identification code of DL501 with an 0B5 part number.

With these three models in production, some of which for a few years, there became one gap in applications. This was due to the limitations around the DG250 02E could handle, and also the size and orientation of the DL501 OB5 unit. That’s why the 6-speed DQ500 0BH/OBT was produced in 2010, since this allowed high powered front wheel drive and transverse four wheel drive to also benefit from the DSG gearbox design.