S tronic®
The S tronic combines the efficiency and sportiness of a conventional manual gearbox with the convenience of a modern automatic. The dual-clutch gearbox enables rapid shifting with almost no noticeable interruption in the power flow. The vehicle accelerates smoothly and dynamically.
The 7-speed S tronic consists of two multi-plate clutches and two sub-transmissions. Both of these are continuously active, but only one is powered by the engine at any given time. For example, when the driver accelerates in third gear, fourth gear is already engaged in the second transmission section. Gears are switched over by changing the clutches – one opens and the other closes. The gear change takes just a few hundredths of a second with almost no interruption in power flow. So quickly and so smoothly that the driver barely notices it.
A distinctive feature of the 7-speed S tronic is its two separate oil systems. While the dual clutch, mechatronics module and oil pump are supplied by their own oil circuit, the gear sets, centre and front-axle differential are lubricated separately. The advantage of this is that no compromise is required with regard to the lubricant used, ensuring an optimum oil supply for all components.
S tronic® combines the efficiency and sportiness of a conventional manual gearbox with the convenience of a modern automatic
The 7-speed S tronic gives the driver the choice of changing gear manually or leaving this to the transmission. In manual mode, he decides when to change gear and does so by means of paddles on the steering wheel or by nudging the selector lever. In automatic mode, he can change the gearshift behaviour of the transmission with the Drive program (D) and Sport program (S). In combination with Audi drive select®, which is available for many models, the efficiency mode can also be selected. This features a modified shift program as well as a more energy-efficient basic setting. If the driver takes his foot off the accelerator when efficiency mode is selected, for example, the vehicle automatically goes into coasting mode; the vehicle continues to move without any engine braking losses.
As much as we focus on dynamic performance, we also attach great importance to efficiency, as excellent efficiency reduces fuel consumption and pollutant emissions.