07/23/2008, 12:07 PM
Audi Future
Audi’s 7-speed dual-clutch transmission to debut in European Q5, S5
Audi’s new and improved seven-speed dual-clutch transmission that will replace the current six-speed DSG unit found in the current A3 and TT is going to be able to take much more torque. Monday’s reports have Audi launching the tranny in the all-new 2009 Audi Q5 SUV later this year, but only in Europe. Around the same time, it should replace the optional six-speed automatic in the 354hp Audi S5.
The new gearbox will be built at VW’s factory in Kassell, Germany, and will also likely eventually make it into VW models as well.
The current gearbox’ limit is 258lb-ft, while the new unit will be able to handle as much as 406lb-ft, making it suitable for use in high-performance gasoline cars and torque-rich turbo-diesel SUVs. The added torque capacity is thanks to a better cooling system, with a vacuum booster that about doubles the amount of oil that will lubricate the twin clutches, according to Inside Line reports.
A different design that separates the clutches and oil pump makes bolting the new transmission up to longitudinally-mounted engines in Audi’s Quattro-equipped vehicles possible.
The gearbox will also be matched with future S and RS cars, including the S4 and RS4, as well as the RS5, but so far, the plan is only for European models. The Q5 in North America will retain the company’s six-speed auto, as Audi is worried about Americans complaining of the DSG’s harder-edged shift quality.
07/23, 12:21 PM
posted by:
moto-racer13
The future of transmissions is DUAL CLUTCH higher performance, more effecient, and surprisingly cheaper to make than a traditional automatic.
07/23, 2:32 PM
posted by:
xyunya
It is not a simple box and I imagine it will be breaking. Cost of replacement/rebuilding will be not trivial. But it is a great theory.
07/23, 2:46 PM
posted by:
A4
the next forced induction RS4 needs to have 450+ lb-ft.
07/23, 3:24 PM
posted by:
howsmydriving
More over-engineering BS from Audi.
07/23, 4:12 PM
posted by:
Siggistef
“More over-engineering BS from Audi.” How stupid can you be? What about BMW’s 7 speed dual clutch transmission? Or what about Ferrari’s 7 speed dual clutch? Or Getrag DCT which will be used in Dodge, Volvo, Chrysler and most likely Mercedes?
So I guess, using your method of argument that all of those companies are over-engineering BS.
07/23, 4:24 PM
posted by:
shaver
The old unit was good for only 258ft/lbs. A GTI with an ECU and cold air will surpass this figure. Meaning the present GTI is basically useless for tuning or HP upgrades.
07/23, 4:33 PM
posted by:
Fromes
Ive driven the A3 2.0t with the current 6 speed DSG and I have no compliants about the so called harder edge shift quality. Its better then an Automatic or stick thats for sure
07/23, 4:57 PM
posted by:
xyunya
Fromes, nothing beats stick. Sorry.
07/23, 7:12 PM
posted by:
1c3d0g
Awesome!
07/23, 7:37 PM
posted by:
AdibzumbaAbihganulah
xyunya, maybe not in drivig experience. But in efficiency (speed included) it will ALWAYS beat a stick. There is simply no way a human (or even a robot) can shift faster then a DUAL-CLUTCH transmission. Period.
07/23, 8:59 PM
posted by:
MugenSentraKen
======>>AdibzumbaAbihganulah, a human will ALWAYS be able to shift faster than a robot(if they could drive) because only a human would be able to feel that “friction point” from a clutch and gearbox…
07/23, 10:42 PM
posted by:
monte
True, computers don’t “feel” the friction, but they see it through input and output speed sensors. That allows them to shift at an exact speed change and time that no human can do consistantly. This method uses an algorithm programmed for speed, RPM, throttle opening, performance changes, ect… This method has been used in automatics to “learn” individual transmissions and to compansate for wear.
07/23, 10:43 PM
posted by:
monte
If you don’t believe me, ask ihustle, he’s a robot.
07/23, 11:43 PM
posted by:
desertdriver
xyunya: “Fromes, nothing beats stick. Sorry.”
That’s what she said
(Sorry, I had to get it out of my system. I can’t say “That’s what she said” at work.)
07/24, 12:36 AM
posted by:
gogogodzilla
They should put this new DSG into the next iteration of the VW GTI…
07/24, 8:14 AM
posted by:
JohnnyBlazE
Manual is still the best, experience wise, but efficiency I wise dual clutch has cracked it… standard auto boxes can suck my stick.
07/24, 10:23 AM
posted by:
MugenSentraKen
====>>LoL JohnnyBlazE..
07/24, 11:06 AM
posted by:
Htay9500
all automatics should be replaced with a dualclutch. and I’m with johnnyblaze on this. autos can shove it.