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| S tronic | |
|---|---|
| Name | S tronic |
| Manufacturer | Audi AG |
| Production | 2003–present |
| Class | Dual-clutch transmission |
| Predecessor | Multitronic |
S tronic is a dual-clutch automatic transmission developed by Audi AG and produced since the early 2000s for passenger cars, sport utility vehicles, and performance models. It combines features of automated manual gearboxes and conventional automatic transmissions to enable rapid gear changes and improved fuel efficiency for models across Audi's lineup and related Volkswagen Group marques. The system has been applied in compact models, executive sedans, and high-performance variants, interacting with powertrains from turbocharged four-cylinder engines to V8 and V10 units.
The transmission architecture shares development and components with transmissions used by Volkswagen AG, Porsche AG, Lamborghini, Bentley, and SEAT S.A., reflecting platform strategies from the Volkswagen Group. It competes with rival technologies such as BMW M DCT, Porsche PDK, Mercedes-Benz 7G-DCT, and traditional torque-converter automatics from ZF Friedrichshafen AG and Aisin Seiki Co., Ltd.. The system has been integrated into models sold in markets including Germany, United States, China, United Kingdom, and Japan, and has been featured in variants engineered for homologation with bodies from Audi Sport GmbH, Quattro GmbH, and factory racing teams.
The unit is a twin-clutch transmission using two input shafts to alternately engage odd and even gear sets, enabling preselection and near-seamless shifts. Control electronics and mechatronics manage clutch actuation and gear selection with inputs from engine control units developed alongside suppliers like Bosch, Continental AG, and Magneti Marelli. Hydraulic actuation and sensor arrays resemble systems used by ZF Friedrichshafen AG and integrate with vehicle stability systems from Brembo S.p.A. and braking networks. Software calibration aligns shift characteristics with driving modes found in vehicles from Audi Sport GmbH, Volkswagen Passenger Cars, and performance divisions within SEAT and Škoda Auto.
Multiple variants cover front-wheel-drive, longitudinal, and quattro all-wheel-drive configurations fitted to models such as the Audi A3, Audi A4, Audi A5, Audi A6, Audi A7, Audi A8, Audi Q3, Audi Q5, Audi TT, Audi R8 (in some generations), and performance derivatives like the Audi RS 3, Audi RS 4, and Audi RS 6. Shared derivatives appear in Volkswagen Golf R, Volkswagen Passat, SEAT Leon Cupra, Škoda Octavia vRS, and luxury applications for Bentley Continental GT and Lamborghini Huracán in adapted forms. Gearbox designations often mirror model codes used within Audi AG and Volkswagen Group parts catalogues.
By reducing shift times compared with conventional automatics, the transmission enhances acceleration metrics recorded in road tests by outlets such as Top Gear, Autocar, Car and Driver, Motor Trend, and EVO. Efficiency gains influence fuel consumption figures evaluated under cycles used by European Union and United States Environmental Protection Agency testing protocols, with drivetrain losses compared to torque-converter units from Aisin and ZF. Calibration for launch control and sport modes has been tuned for track performance in vehicles developed by Audi Sport],] Abt Sportsline, and aftermarket tuners like MTM (Motoren Technik Mayer).
Service intervals, fluid specifications, and clutch wear rates are subjects in technical bulletins from Audi AG, dealer networks including Audi UK, Audi USA, and independent repair shops certified under Volkswagen Group Service. Common maintenance tasks involve mechatronic checks, dual-clutch pack inspection, and hydraulic system servicing by specialist workshops such as Bosch Car Service and aftermarket providers. Known failure modes prompted extended warranties and recalls coordinated with agencies like Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards regulators and consumer protection bodies in Germany and the United States.
Closely related dual-clutch systems are used in competition by factory-supported teams in Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters, FIA World Endurance Championship, 24 Hours of Le Mans, and various GT series where rapid gear changes and durability are critical. Engineering feedback from race programs at Audi Sport and Audi Sport Team Joest influenced gear ratios, cooling, and clutch materials used in high-performance road models and aftermarket upgrades offered by Quattro GmbH and tuning houses like Hertz and Revo.
Development began in the late 1990s and early 2000s as Audi and Volkswagen AG sought to modernize drivetrains, drawing on research from partners including Daimler AG collaborations and supplier innovations from Getrag and LuK. Initial introductions coincided with launches of new model generations and were publicized at automotive events such as the Frankfurt Motor Show, Geneva Motor Show, and Paris Motor Show. Over successive generations, enhancements targeted shift speed, durability, and integration with stability and traction systems co-developed with Bosch and Continental AG, with influence from regulatory changes in European Union emissions legislation and consumer demand for performance vehicles.
Category:Automotive transmissions