2017 Audi S4 Won't Get Dual-clutch Automatic, or Manual

Aaron Cole
by Aaron Cole

Raphael Orlove over at Jalopnik has fine, fine reporting that the next-generation Audi S4 will sport a conventional 8-speed torque converter automatic instead of the company’s 7-speed dual-clutch unit.

The reason? The S4’s new turbocharged, 3-liter V-6 that produces 354 horsepower creates just enough torque (368.8 pounds-feet of torque, to be exact) to disqualify the automated manual. According to Orlove, the automaker didn’t rule out a DSG in the S4’s future, but said it just won’t be available at launch next year.

Even with the traditional 8-speed, the S4 still packs a punch. According to the automaker, the car will run up to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds, and its disconnecting, free-wheeling transmission will help the car achieve nearly 32 mpg.

According to Audi, the S4 sedan — but not the Avant — will go on sale in the States next year.

Also: No manual.

Aaron Cole
Aaron Cole

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  • Derekson Derekson on Sep 15, 2015

    The real question will be whether the RS4 sedan we get in the U.S. gets a manual option. As the true enthusiast oriented model it seems more likely to get one.

  • DearS DearS on Sep 15, 2015

    Finally the TT V6 engines are making (almost) as much HP per liter as the 4 cylinder engines. I don't trust Audi very much though in regards to reliability.

  • EVOLUTION Supply & Demand Survival of The Fittest Nature never spoke truer truths. The 4-door sedan is being killed by the crossover. The manual IS ALREADY DEAD. It just doesn't know it yet. The small car is growing larger. It's as I foretold...

    • See 4 previous
    • @dantes_inferno I expect trucks to be replaced with EV. That would be awesome. But each one will weigh like twice what it weighs now.

  • Tylanner Tylanner on Sep 16, 2015

    Eventually, every new transmission will "freewheel" when appropriate. It will not be straight-forward what level of appropriate is best but if applied correctly it could be a massive efficiency boost.

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