German Car Zone

Audi is preparing a new version of its S-tronic dual-clutch gearbox with the ability to drive more power to the wheels and also work with longitudinally mounted engines. The gearbox is expected to first show up in the upcoming Q5 SUV, but will eventually make its way to the A4 and A5.

One of the primary limitations of the old gearbox was the inability to handle torque figures higher than 320Nm, however this has been boosted to 550Nm in the new model. This means we’re likely to see more performance models with dual-clutch shifting. At the moment Audi is forced to use a CVT transmission in the A5 3.2L FSI and the S5 tiptronic models because the engines develop 330Nm and 440Nm respectively. The current RS4 develops 430Nm so even with a generous boost for the new generation model, it’s likely Audi will be able to offer dual-clutch as an option and make it below the 550Nm cutoff.

Previous owners of Audi and VW dual-clutch gearboxes were limited to six gears, however the new model will get one more. Both automatic and manual shift modes will be available for drivers.

The gearbox is likely to be mated to the new quattro AWD system with sport differential, which we have previously reported on here.

Audi is expected to completely replace standard automatic or CVT gearboxes with dual-clutch ‘boxes on all but a few models such as their Q7 SUV and A8 limo due to higher torque figures (in the case of the Q7 V12 TDI) or smoother shifting.


Source: Motor Authority >> Audi upgrades S-tronic to handle more power

It is about time!

M

That's a good thing. Better manu-matics FTW!

So Audi doesn't currently have a DSG that can handle anything above 320Nm, yet Bugatti has a DSG that handles 1250Nm. I'm not saying Audi should put a Veyron tranny in their lineup, but what is it under Audi's nose that's being overlooked?

If my memory serves me right; the custom engineered transmission in the Veyron was developed by Ricardo and not by existing VW/Audi DSG suppliers Borg-Warner.

The Dual Clutch gearbox in the Veyron is much heavier and more robust than those in the Audi line up and was developed to be integrated in a longitudinal layout.

To date, DSG has only been offered in FWD based (i.e. transversely engine mounted) Audi models with a maximum torque output of 320 Nm. So, the most powerful DSG-mated engine we've seen is the narrow angle 3.2 litre V6.

One must carefully consider that the current DSG box in the Audi line-up has been specifically packaged for use in the transversely mounted application. The new DSG box will differ mechanically for use in longitudinal applications because of the difference in orientation of the front differential.

the gearbox in Veyron is redicilous expensive to develop. Not worth it,

Audi upgrades S-tronic to handle more power

Posted on Wednesday 19 March 2008




Audi has finally announced the launch of its version of VW Group’s new seven-speed dual clutch transmission, which will be used to replace the current six-speed units over the next 12 months. The new gearbox, dubbed S-tronic in Audi-speak, is designed to work with longitudinally installed engines and quattro all-wheel drive, plus it can handle torque figures of up to 550Nm and engine speeds of 9,000rpm.

One of the primary limitations of the older six-speed gearbox was the inability to handle torque figures higher than 320Nm, however Audi has solved the problem with the latest model. The new design is composed of two transmission structures. It integrates two multidisk clutches that control different gears. The large K1 clutch located on the outside conducts the torque via a solid shaft to the gear wheels for the odd gears 1, 3, 5 and 7. They are located in the rear of the cast-aluminum transmission housing, toward the center of the vehicle.

A hollow shaft rotates around the solid shaft. It is connected to the smaller K2 clutch, which is integrated into the inside of its larger sibling, and which controls the gear wheels for the even gears 2, 4 and 6, as well as reverse gear. All gear wheels are located in a single row on both drive shafts, in the order 4, 6, 2, R, 1, 3, 7 and 5. Both transmission structures are continuously active, but only one is powered at a time by the engine.
Audi is expected to completely replace standard automatic or CVT gearboxes with dual-clutch ‘boxes on all but a few models such as their Q7 SUV and A8 limo due to higher torque figures (in the case of the Q7 V12 TDI) or smoother shifting.

Perfectly in time for the V10 R8 which is rumored to be able to accelerate from 0-100km/h in 4 seconds.

I don't get why they didn't do this earlier. The R8 should have had such a gearbox from the start!

M

Same as BMW's DCT gearbox? (550nm, 9000 rpm)