What does 'DSG' stand for in Volkswagen's dual-clutch transmission?

In Volkswagen’s dual-clutch transmission, DSG stands for Direct shift gearbox. The name describes a computer-controlled gearbox that uses two clutches to operate two sets of gear ratios.

One clutch generally handles odd-numbered gears and reverse, while the other handles even-numbered gears. While one gear is transmitting power, the next likely gear can be preselected on the other shaft. Shifting then transfers drive from one clutch to the other, allowing rapid gear changes with little interruption of engine torque.

DSG is not an abbreviation for “dual shift gearbox” or “double shift gearbox,” although those phrases sound plausible because the unit is a dual-clutch design. Volkswagen Group introduced its production DSG system in the Volkswagen Golf R32 in 2003. Audi later commonly marketed related versions as S tronic, while Bugatti used a related seven-speed dual-clutch transmission in the Veyron.