[driverdan]

But DSG isn't a traditional auto. It's still clutch based, you just don't control the clutch yourself.

[selectodude]

Automatic transmissions have a clutch that's operated automatically. DSGs have two clutches for quicker gear changes. That's the only major difference.

[jcromartie]

Standard automatic transmissions don't have a clutch disc. They have a torque converter.

[Shebanator]

Virtually all modern automatic transmissions use a "lockup torque converter" for fuel efficiency. The lock-up clutch is activated once the transmission is fully coupled, and at that point the efficiency of the transmission is essentially identical to that of a manual transmission.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torque_converter#Lock-up_torque...

[acchow]

Oh how I wish this were the language we all adopted.