Audi Dual-Clutch Transmissions Finally Coming

Justin Berkowitz
by Justin Berkowitz

On Monday, when we reported on Audi's newly revised turbocharged four-cylinder engines, commenter Joshvar said "Still no DSG?" Well, according to Ward's Auto, now there is. Audi is finally moving ahead with a dual clutch transmission (DCT). Supposedly, they developed the new box completely in-house (BorgWarner makes the current DSG in the A3 and GTI). Ingolstadt's version offers seven (count 'em seven) gears and can handle up to 406 ft.-lbs. or torque. On top of that, it's been specifically engineered for the longitudinal setup of engines throughout Audi's lineup. This writer's guess: as soon as they can make enough of them, there will be a DCT available in every car Audi sells. Meanwhile, Tiptronic my ass. Where the Hell's Porsche's paddle-shifted semi-manual miracle?

Justin Berkowitz
Justin Berkowitz

Immensely bored law student. I've also got 3 dogs.

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  • Joshvar Joshvar on Mar 26, 2008

    Hmm...what else should I ask for? :) Honda's version of a DSG? Along with Direct Injection? That would make the new TSX a contender in this segment. A4 Avant vs TSX Tourer! BRING IT :)

  • Huy Huy on Mar 26, 2008

    BMW already has their 7-Speed Dual Clutch available on the M3's... well, you can go to the dealership and order it at least. Obviously, this is a high torque application. With all the transmission manufacturers and automakers getting into the DSG game, its only a matter of time before that is all there is.

  • David C. Holzman David C. Holzman on Mar 26, 2008

    I'm with Meocuchad.

  • Iamwho2k Iamwho2k on Mar 26, 2008

    Let's see. Porsche buys VW. VW owns Audi. Voila! Porsche has its paddle-shifted semi-manual miracle. And it didn't have to bust a sweat to get one. This being Porsche, "the most profitable car company in the world", they will even get to charge, what, three or four times what Audi will price its tranny.

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