Audi is stepping up its operations in China. This Monday, the luxury brand will open a new transmission plant beside Volkswagen Automatic Transmission Tianjin (VWATJ). The factory, located in Tianjin, a port city in northern China, will provide the new Audi A4 L and other locally built cars with extremely efficient 7-speed S tronic transmissions.
At maximum capacity, Audi will employ over 1,000 people at the new facility, which will make 240,000 transmissions yearly. Additionally, the corporation can subsequently expand the plant’s capacity because of the modular production setup. According to Joachim Wedler, President of Audi China, “With our first local transmission factory, we have delivered another core Audi expertise to China. “The manufacture of the transmission in Tianjin represents a turning point in our localization approach.
The factory is also exceptionally environmentally friendly, featuring features like a heat recovery system and a roof that is intended to reduce electricity use through the wise use of daylight.
Models of the second-generation modular longitudinal platform will feature the new Tianjin 7-speed S tronic transmission (MLB). It blends pleasant, dynamic driving with minimal fuel usage. The gearbox works in tandem with the 2.0 TFSI engine to give the 2017 Audi A4 L’s powertrain performance and economy that are unmatched in its class. The newest edition of the luxury mid-size car, which has the lowest CO2 emissions in its class, will go on sale in China in September.
Since 2014, the Volkswagen Group has made dual-clutch transmissions for vehicles built on the MQB modular transverse platform. The second stage of Volkswagen ATJ is finished with the start of production in Tianjin. Shareholders of the business are Volkswagen Group China (51%) and AUDI AG (49%) respectively. Volkswagen Automatic Transmission Tianjin strengthens the Group trademarks by fostering synergies between them. According to Dr. Jochem Heizmann, President of Volkswagen Group China, “We live up to our promise of sustainability by making optimal use of resources at every step along the route.”
Since 1988, Audi has operated in China and has dominated the market for premium vehicles there. In Changchun, a city in northern China, the Audi joint venture FAWVolkswagen manufactures the Audi A6 L, Audi A4 L, Audi Q5*, and Audi Q3* models. The Audi A3 Sportback* and Audi A3 Sedan* are made in a joint venture plant in Foshan, in the south of China.
In This Article...
What type of transmission does Audi employ?
Both quattro drive systems and automatic transmissions vary widely from one another. In this section, we break down the various technologies, clarify how they work, and discuss ideas like the Audi valvelift system and “rightsizing.”
Eight-speed tiptronic
The eight-speed tiptronic is a traditional torque-converter automatic transmission, and one of its greatest strengths is how smoothly and comfortably it shifts. Shifts in gear are smooth, impulsive, quick, and incredibly adaptable. It is a common feature in cars from Audi with longitudinally placed engines. The engine always runs close to its ideal operating point because of the eight gears’ minimal rpm jumps between them. Unwanted engine vibrations are balanced out by a rpm-adaptive torsion damper, allowing for economical driving at extremely low engine speeds.
The torque converter lockup clutch with integrated damper is another component that significantly contributes to the efficiency ensemble. The lockup torque converter connects the transmission and engine directly when driving normally. It occasionally employs limited slip, which when combined with the built-in damper allows for very low engine speeds without experiencing vibrations. An internal clutch separates the transmission from the engine when the vehicle is at a stop, even though the “The D stage is still chosen to prevent converter oil circulation losses. The clutch closes instantly once the driver lets off the brake, and the torque converter’s dampening effect assures a smooth drive-off.
Within the gear-shift unit, a compact steel box holds the dynamic shift program (DSP), which manages the eight-speed tiptronic. It makes use of a quick processor. In the “The ideal shift point is automatically determined by DSP in D mode. It favors big gears and low engine speeds to facilitate an efficient driving style. The tiptronic’s second shift gate enables human control of the automatic transmission’s operation. This enables downshifting, for example, on winding descents to increase engine braking or to drive extremely sportily. By choosing later shift points, the automatic transmission improves driving characteristics when in sport mode. There is no mechanical connection between the selecting lever and the transmission; all communication is electrical (shift-by-wire).
The Audi start-stop system is compatible with the eight-speed tiptronic. For this, it incorporates a tiny, continuously filled hydraulic reservoir. Its oil volume of about 100 milliliters (0.1 US qt) is pressured upon restarting after a stop, which is required for drive-off. Within a very short amount of time, the transmission is prepared to begin.
The eight-speed tiptronic includes an electronic oil pump in select Audi models. It takes care of the transmission’s lubrication and makes it possible to engage the gear required for an engine restart following a coasting period. This makes it feasible for the car to turn off its engine while driving when it is not required for propulsion because of mild hybrid technology. A clutch is open near the wheel sets when the car is coasting and the engine is running at idle. The gearbox control device ensures highly comfortable driving starts and recognizes stop-and-go conditions.
Are Audi automatic transmissions dependable?
I have the chance to purchase my 2014 Audi A3 corporate vehicle, which I have had since new and has only 39,000 miles on it. I’m trying to decide if it’s a smart idea or not because I’m scheduled to retire next year.
However, I’ve been informed that many vehicles, including mine, with DSG dual-clutch automatic gearboxes reach the five-plus-year mark with major issues that frequently need replacing the entire gearbox. My car wouldn’t be a decent purchase after this. Please let me know if DSG gearbox issues are frequent.
What Car? says…
The current Audi A3 is a highly reliable vehicle, scoring 96.8% for gasoline versions and 96.6 percent for diesel models in our most recent reliability survey. Only 1% of owners reported gearbox problems. 15 percent of owners of the prior generation (20032013) A3 reported gearbox issues, suggesting that these issues are more prevalent. Your vehicle is the most recent model, thus there shouldn’t be a problem.
Audi’s transmission is a CVT.
According to a senior Audi engineer, the contentious continuously variable automatic transmission, known as Multitronic on Audi vehicles, will soon be discontinued by the German automaker. The continuously variable automatic gearbox (CVT) from Audi has been discontinued, and a new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission is set to take its place.
It is no longer being developed. According to senior Audi driving behavior engineer Ralph Riegger, it served its function because it was really good for fuel economy, but now we have this new stepped transmission that is better.
Audi presently offers the continuously variable gearbox in the A4, A5, A6, and A7 cars. Many automotive enthusiasts find the CVT to be a frustrating transmission since it causes the engine revs to increase while the transmission ratios are continually changing to keep up.
Additionally, a class-action lawsuit has been filed against Audi in the US for potential flaws in continuously variable gearboxes due to the CVT. In 2013, the 64,000-vehicle lawsuit was resolved, with Audi agreeing to compensate owners of defective CVT-equipped vehicles.
It is thought that the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission that will replace the CVT is an improvement on the 7-speed DSG that is now available in a variety of Volkswagen Group vehicles. The brand-new Audi A4 is anticipated to debut with the new transmission in the second half of 2015.
The best automatic transmission is produced by whom?
The Top 10 Automatic Transmission Automobiles for 2020
- Hyundai Santro with automatic transmission.
- You may buy a Maruti Suzuki Baleno (CVT) right now at Maruti Suzuki Baleno | BS6.
- Sonet Kia (DCT)
- Nissan Ecosport (Torque Converter)
- Chevrolet Vento/Polo (Torque Converter)
- City Honda (CVT)
- Toyota Corolla (DCT)
- Nissan Yaris (CVT)
Who manufactures the CVT in an Audi?
After the launch of the Audi A6 Multitronic later this year, Audi plans to install continuously variable gearboxes in the majority of its larger engine vehicles.
The A6 Multitronic is the first large-engine vehicle in Europe to be mated to a CVT.
The Multitronic operates on the same principles as conventional CVTs but is capable of handling substantially more torque since it uses a new type of chain with bigger links.
The chain was created in collaboration with the clutch supplier LuK of Langen, Germany, and will be made by them.
The Dutch business Van Doorne Transmissie BV is where the CVT got its start. The business created a metal belt connecting two pulleys in the late 1970s. Each pulley is made wider or narrower by hydraulic pressure, which changes the gear ratio by causing the belt to ride higher or lower in the pulley.
The Van Doorne kind of push-belt system, which is efficient for engines up to roughly 2.0 liters in capacity, has been employed by manufacturers up until this point.
Development for the new Multitronic transmission lasted about 20 years. It offers a sequential manual mode with six forward speeds as well as a completely automatic option.
After market research revealed a need for automatic gearboxes with greater efficiency, Audi made the decision to launch the Multitronic technology.
According to Claus Korger, brand manager for the A6, “clients in France and Italy sought a transmission that delivered better acceleration than standard automatics.”
The necessity for increased fuel efficiency “became obvious in other countries, notably Germany.”
The majority of Audi A6s now on the road have standard automatic transmissions. Even the manually-shifted A6 is reportedly slightly slower and less fuel-efficient than the Multitronic.
Long term, Audi aims to install Multitronic in all of its larger-capacity cars, including the A4 and A8 ranges, diesel models, and Quattro models.
More research may be needed for applicability with V-8 and turbo engines, according to Judith Nitsch, an Audi spokesman. “The system might have a technical constraint.”
According to Christa Siefert, a spokeswoman for LuK, the business has spent DM100 million (about EUR 50 million) in CVT manufacturing facilities. According to her, the long-term annual production capacity will be close to 100,000 units.
According to Audi, Multitronic will be available for only a 45 euro extra above a standard automatic transmission. Typically, an A6 with a regular automatic transmission costs roughly 2,000 more than a manual model.
When production starts to pick up, the price of the Multitronic could possibly decrease in the future, according to Korger.
In Tiptronic mode, Multitronic features six fixed ratios for quick manual shifting but continually changeable ratios for automatic mode. Thanks to a magnesium casting, the transmission weighs 7 kg lighter than the standard Audi automatic box.
Get your Audi automatic transmission problems fixed by the experts
Automatic transmissions from Audi frequently exhibit the same issues as those from Volkswagen. Audi transmission repairs are one of our specialties at A Automotive.
Audi gearboxes used in vehicles made after mid-1995 operate at a high level of technicality. These transmissions may display a variety of common auto trans issues. Sometimes, rather than needing a mechanical service, certain Audi transmissions may have electrical issues. Particularly relevant here are Audi A4 cars produced after 2001.
Audi automatic transmission problems
The following are typical ways that gearbox issues with your Audi are discovered:
- Dashboard light or flashing indicator
- extreme shifting or binding
- Surging sensation when moving forward after stopping
- Reverse gear disappears (a common problem on Audi A4 CVT)
- gearshifts stop working (stuck in one gear)
- The engagement of the forward and reverse gears is delayed.
- At low speeds and with a small throttle opening, there is a surging, vibrating sensation.
Issues with the Audi multitronic transmission
The 01J CVT transmission, sometimes known as Audi’s “multitronic transmission,” is found in a significant number of Audi automobiles.
Although this transmission typically provides acceptable service, some owners report driving difficulties. Common criticisms about the Audi multitronic gearbox include:
- a trembling feeling during takeoff
- losing backward
- losing interest
- Slipping or accelerating to about 50 km/h
- hill hold function lost.
The forward clutch’s insufficient holding strength frequently contributes to these Audi transmission issues.
In order to rectify issue, Audi suggests upgrading the forward clutch assembly’s friction plates from six to seven. This suggested update is one we routinely carry out at A Automotive.
We also flash the computer when we upgrade the forward clutch unit. By doing so, it is ensured that the valve body operates within the proper parameters and that the pulleys driving the chain are set to the proper ratio. If this is not done, the multitronic transmission won’t last as long as it should and the upgraded clutch assembly will be harmed.
Faults with the ZF transmission in Audi
Audi either produces its own traditional automatic gearboxes in-house or uses the well-known ZF transmissions, which are produced in Germany. European automakers frequently employ these gearboxes. Torque converter shudder is a problem with the Audi ZF gearboxes. This is typically perceived by the driver as a surging sensation while traveling at a light throttle speed of 40 to 50 km/h. The torque converter needs to be completely overhauled and upgraded in order to fix this transmission issue.
Audi automatic transmission repairs
A Automotive repairs and overhauls all different varieties of Audi gearboxes, including the 6-speed and 7-speed DSG units, in addition to the particular Audi transmissions mentioned above.
With over 30 years of expertise servicing European gearboxes for dealerships and the general public, A Automotive are experts in Audi transmission repair.
Get a quote from A Automotive Services to have the professionals rebuild or repair your Audi automatic transmission today.
Which transmissions are the most durable?
Cars with manual transmissions do typically survive longer than those with automatic transmissions. How come? Because it generally is gentler on the vehicle overall when you can shift into the appropriate gear.
This may not always be the case, though, due to two factors. One illustration is that a clutch will wear out more quickly if someone is rough with it. In modern models, a manual transmission car could not last as long as one with an automated transmission. The efficiency of more recent automatic transmission vehicles is increasing, which reduces transmission wear and tear.
How dependable is the S tronic transmission from Audi?
It makes sense to equip your new Audi with S Tronic transmission if you value top performance and smooth highway cruising.
When you consider your car’s better performance and decreased fuel consumption, the modest price premium over a conventional manual or automatic gearbox is pretty negligible.
Is there a possibility that something could go wrong with all the sophisticated technology and high-tech components? The S Tronic gearbox is dependably dependable when maintained, which is good given the high maintenance expenses. Visit our site on Audi Reliability to learn more if you’re interested.
Check out our articles on the Audi Virtual Cockpit, Audi Quattro, Audi Tech Pack, Audi Engine Codes, and the S Line trim if you need ideas for building a beautiful Audi vehicle.
About The Author: Alasdair Cherry
There is no denying Alasdair’s boy racer reputation when it comes to his zeal and expertise about the auto sector. He is the person you go to for lease advice or model critiques.