The newely developed Borg-Warner derivative transmission system used by Audi is to be packaged in a longitudal format to add the option to the A4 lineup and upcoming Q5 platforms. The DSG system will offer Drive, Sport and Manual modes, with the latter upgrading from six to seven fixed ratios as previsouly announced, and boasts a higher torque threshold of 550Nm. With the development of this new system whereas the older tranverse transmission would only wistand upto300ilbs-ft but tuners have been pushing the system even further than Audi has blueprinted. The new system is to be setup with Audis new 40/60 rear bias setup for better handling and to be rid of the infamous "Audisteer". The new system should be popping up in Europe by the end of this year and the US by 2009/2010.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
"Audi has no timetable for US Diesels"
Audi spokesman Christian Bokich said the thinking behind pulling out of the Q7 hybrid launch was
"to launch the diesel properly and also a weak U.S. dollar". Also he is quoted as saying the Audi Q5 hybrid, "probably makes the most business sense because of sheer volume, and Diesel versions of the A6 & A8 for the U.S. are less likely".
"Diesel has always been a main focus and expertise of Audi, and in the future, we won't rule out hybrids, but everything we do needs to prepare the way for a financially sound Audi. The backbone is a strong financial business case. In this case, we're willing to take a look at a hybrid in the future. We have been working on hybrids. But our core competency is diesel cars. We love diesel, even more than our customers."
But considering all US bound Audi vehicles are petrol only, Audi needs to play catchup in America. Mercedes, and Audis parent VW have had diesels for years but the competition is just starting in the US with GM, Toyota considering sharing a diesel platform engine. Honda is also developing a US bound diesel, and has stated newer Type-R's could possibly have a 2.2-2.5 litre turbo diesel engine.
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