When it changes gear or you do it manually, resist the desire to lift off; flat foot up transitions are smoother.
Expect it to change down slowly rather than quickly like an F1 car; instead, wait for it to enter a safe rev range.
Drop it into Sport mode and a lower gear before slamming the loud pedal if you want to overtake someone. This will save the gearbox from having to “think” about what you want and shorten the “pause” for changing cogs.
In This Article...
What exactly does S tronic on an Audi automobile mean?
The S tronic combines the practicality of a contemporary automatic transmission with the effectiveness and sportiness of a traditional manual gearbox. Rapid shifting is possible with almost no audible interruption of the power flow thanks to the dual-clutch transmission. Dynamically and smoothly, the car accelerates.
Two multi-plate clutches and two sub-transmissions make up the 7-speed S tronic. Although both of these are constantly in use, only one of them is ever being powered by the engine. For instance, the second transmission section is already in fourth gear while the driver accelerates in third gear. By switching the clutches, one opens and the other closes, shifting the gears is accomplished. It just takes a few hundredths of a second to switch gears, with hardly any loss of power. The car passes by so swiftly and smoothly that the driver hardly notices it.
The two unique oil systems of the 7-speed S tronic are one of its distinguishing qualities. Gear sets, the center differential, and the front-axle differential are all lubricated independently, while the dual clutch, mechatronics module, and oil pump are all supplied by their own oil circuits. The benefit of this is that there is no need to compromise on the lubricant being used, ensuring a sufficient amount of oil for all components.
S tronic combines the practicality of a modern automatic transmission with the effectiveness and sportiness of a traditional manual transmission.
With the 7-speed S tronic, the driver has the option of manually shifting gears or letting the transmission do it for them. In manual mode, he chooses when to shift gear and does so by pulling the selector lever or using the paddles on the steering wheel. With the Drive program (D) and Sport program, he can alter the way the transmission behaves when shifting gears in automatic mode (S). The efficiency mode can also be chosen in conjunction with Audi drive choose, which is available for various models. This has a modified shift schedule and an energy-saving default configuration. When efficiency mode is engaged, for instance, the car automatically enters coasting mode and keeps moving without any engine braking losses if the driver lifts their foot off the accelerator.
While we put a lot of emphasis on dynamic performance, we also place a high value on efficiency because high efficiency lowers fuel consumption and pollutant emissions.
Does Audi S tronic work well?
The most recent Audi A3 is undoubtedly less polished overall and inside than the previous generation, but it nevertheless holds its own against the current premium competition, which includes the BMW 1 Series and Mercedes A-Class. The A3 boasts a variety of powerful gasoline, diesel, and hybrid engines, is comfortable and fun to drive, and has room for a family. We suggest the 40 TFSIe due to its performance, inexpensive company car tax, and electric range. It’s one of the best plug-in vehicles available and a good vehicle in and of itself.
Audi S tronic has a dry or wet clutch.
The Audi Q3 offers a selection of three gasoline and two diesel engines paired with either front-wheel or quattro drive. They produce power in the 110 kW (150 hp) to 169 kW range (230 hp). They are all four-cylinder turbo engines with a particulate filter that are strong, refined, and efficient. Start-stop functionality is a standard component.
The TFSI engines come in a variety. The 1.5-liter gasoline engine, which has 250 Nm (184.4 lb-ft) of torque and 110 kW (150 horsepower), is the base model. It is only offered with front-wheel drive. The Audi Q3 35 TFSI accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 9.6 seconds and reaches a top speed of 211 km/h with the manual six-speed transmission (combined fuel economy in l/100 km: 6.3 – 6.0* (37.3 – 39.2 US mpg); combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 145 – 139* (233.4 – 223.7 g/km)) (131.1 mph). The race takes 9.2 seconds with the propulsion power stopping at 207 km/h if the customer opts for the seven-speed S tronic (combined fuel economy in l/100 km: 5.9 – 5.7* (39.9 – 41.3 US mpg); combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 134 – 130* (215.7 – 209.2 g/km) (128.6 mph). The efficient cylinder on demand technology is a big factor in the low fuel usage. At low and medium loads, camshaft actuators close the intake and exhaust valves to momentarily shut off the second and third cylinders. Fuel injection and ignition are suppressed by the engine management system.
Because of its aluminum crankcase, the little 1.5 TFSI is incredibly light. It has an iron coating on its cylinder linings that is sprayed via plasma spraying to greatly reduce friction. The exhaust funnel built into the cylinder head works in conjunction with the cooling module to provide effective thermal control. The (relative) charging pressure produced by the turbochargers can reach 1.3 bars. With a fuel injection pressure of up to 350 bar, the common-rail system produces low particle emissions, spraying, and an evenly distributed flame front.
There are two different variants of the 2.0 TFSI. It is always paired with the quattro drive and seven-speed S tronic. It produces 140 kW (190 hp) at the first power level and 320 Nm (236.0 lb-ft) of maximum torque at 1,500 to 4,200 rpm. The consequence is that the Audi Q3 40 TFSI accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 7.4 seconds and reaches a top speed of 220 km/h (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 7.5 – 7.2* (31.4 – 32.7 US mpg); combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 170 – 164* (273.6 – 263.9 g/mi) (136.7 mph). The most potent variant, the Audi Q3 45 TFSI, ensures sporty performance with 169 kW (230 hp) and 350 Nm (258.1 lb-ft) at 1,500 to 4,400 rpm (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 7.6 – 7.3* (30.9 – 32.2 US mpg); combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 173 – 167* (278.4 – 268.8 From a standing start, it takes 1.1 seconds less to reach 100 km/h (62.1 mph), and its highest speed is 233 km/h (144.8 mph).
Additional manifold injection is one of the two-liter gasoline engine’s technical improvements. In a variety of engine speeds and load conditions, it takes the place of FSI direct injection. Even when there are engine-out emissions, this lowers particle production. The Audi valvelift system optimizes internal gas flow by adjusting outlet-valve timing across two stages. Efficiency is further improved with a small rotary valve module for thermal control and an exhaust manifold built into the cylinder head.
Among the diesel engines in the portfolio is a 2.0 TDI with 110 kW. (150 hp). Two balancer shafts in the crankcase, reduced internal friction, and a common-rail system with a 2,000 bar maximum pressure are some of its highlights. The smooth-running engine turns the camshaft with 340 Nm (250.8 lb-ft) of torque at 1,750 to 3,000 rpm. With S tronic and front-wheel drive, the Audi Q3 35 TDI accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 9.2 seconds before reaching a top speed of 207 km/h (combined fuel economy in l/100 km: 4.9 – 4.7* (48.0 – 50.0 US mpg); combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 128 – 123* (206.0 – 197.9 g/mi)) (128.6 mph). It goes from 0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 9.3 seconds and reaches a top speed of 211 km/h with the six-speed manual transmission and quattro drive (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 5.7 – 5.5* (41.3 – 42.8 US mpg); combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 150 – 145* (241.4 – 233.4 g/mi)) (131.1 mph).
140 kW are generated by the 2.0 TDI at its maximum power setting (190 hp). It only comes with a quattro driving system and is mated to a seven-speed S tronic transmission. It produces 400 Nm (295.0 lb-ft) of torque at 1,750 to 3,250 rpm. As a result, the Audi Q3 40 TDI accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 8.0 seconds and tops out at 221 km/h (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 5.6 – 5.5* (42.0 – 42.8 US mpg); combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 148 – 145* (238.2 – 233.4 g/mi) (137.3 mph).
The new Audi Q3’s seven-speed S tronic transmission pairs with each engine to power the vehicle. Sporty acceleration is made possible by its lower gears’ relatively close ratios, while the top gear’s extraordinarily wide ratio lowers engine speed and, thus, fuel consumption. When the speed drops below 7 km/h, the start-stop mechanism turns off the engine (4.3 mph). For the Q3 35 TFSI and Q3 35 TDI, a six-speed manual transmission is an alternative.
There are two types of the small, quick-shifting dual-clutch transmission. Wet clutches are used with all engines, excluding the Q3 35 TFSI, in the seven-speed S tronic. The clutch is cooled and the wheelset is lubricated via a common oil circuit. This enables the strong gasoline and diesel engines’ high torques to be communicated. The high temperatures produced during acceleration and gear changes can be efficiently dissipated through oil cooling. Due to the reduced torque of 250 Nm in the entry-level gasoline version, the two dry clutches function without their own oil supply (184.4 lb-ft). This significantly boosts effectiveness. A little gear pump that is physically powered delivers oil to the gearwheels. A second, electrically powered pump may be triggered in particular circumstances, such as when starting on a hill, to handle the extra demand. Both variants of the seven-speed S tronic provide a freewheel function, which activates in various circumstances if the driver lifts their foot off the accelerator, in conjunction with Audi drive choose. In dynamic and offroad modes, it is disabled.
The quattro permanent all-wheel-drive comes standard with the two-liter gasoline engines and the most potent diesel engines, in contrast to the Audi Q3 35 TFSI, which only uses front-wheel drive. It significantly improves the new Q3’s traction, stability, and dynamic handling system under all driving circumstances. At the middle of it is a hydraulic multi-plate clutch with computerized control. When the driver makes a sporty turn into a corner, for instance, the management system can immediately start shifting some of the torque from the front axle to the rear axle. The SUV is forced into the curve as soon as the driver picks up speed. The wheel-selective torque control, a software feature that further improves handling through brief, targeted brake interventions on the individual wheels, closely cooperates with the quattro drive when operating at the boundaries of performance.
*The ranges for fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are based on the wheels and tires being used.
The equipment, information, and costs mentioned in this paper apply to the German model line. Subject to modification without notification; omissions and errors exempted.
S tronic automatic: is it trustworthy?
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.
DSG fart: What causes it?
In South Africa, the “DSG Burp” has become more of a cultural phenomena than it actually should. The enjoyment that can be derived from the “burp” of a Golf GTI with a DSG is amazing, with kids shrieking in delight, women becoming numb, and men going insane with pleasure. Many car buyers have told me they chose a DSG-equipped Golf GTI over a manual because of the noise it makes during upshifts. But what causes these burps? Dual-clutch transmissions burp, but why?
The noise’s scientific basis:
Many car enthusiasts will recall the Top Gear episode (Series 16, episode 5) when Jeremy Clarkson claimed that Audi installed a mechanism in the Audi RS5 that introduces a single droplet of fuel into the hot exhaust, which subsequently ignites and produces the infamous burping noise. Although Audi doesn’t actually utilize a particular gadget to make this noise, the fundamental notion that too much fuel in the exhaust manifold ignites and makes noise is true. So, fuel burning in the exhaust is what causes the DSG/DCT burp.
However, why does it occur? Why isn’t the fuel burning as it should in the combustion chamber?
Why dual-clutch gears “burp”
Dual-clutch systems are actually descended from automated manual gearboxes, as you may know if you’ve read our earlier Tech-Talk piece on different types of transmissions. You may also be aware that early automated gearboxes, such as the SMG gearbox in the BMW M3 CSL, were excruciatingly jerky to use at full tilt.
When changing gears in a conventional manual transmission, you lift off the throttle just enough to allow the revs to stabilize and fall slightly while shifting into the next gear. The same procedure is necessary for an automated manual gearbox, but since the driver is not required to engage the clutch or change gears, they frequently maintained their right foot firmly on the accelerator, just as they would in a vehicle with an automatic transmission. As a result, the rpm increase, and when the next gear engaged, there was a severe jerking because the gearbox was not moving at the same pace as the engine.
Volkswagen came up with the idea of delaying ignition timing during the critical gear change to avoid this, which successfully mimics the process of lifting off the throttle. However, with this programming configuration, fueling and valve timing are unaffected. As a result, more fuel is dumped into the combustion chamber but isn’t ignited. When the next gear is selected, the spark plugs resume igniting the gasoline, and the extra fuel in the combustion chamber and exhaust manifold burns to produce the well-known and adored “vroomph fart/burp.
Volkswagen were the initial innovators of this system, but since then, it has spread and grown incredibly popular due to the aural theater it offers. In order to provide a variety of false bangs and pops on upshifts, manufacturers are increasingly rigging their dual-clutch systems for longer ignition retardation. A prime example of this is Mercedes-Benz and the A45 AMG.
Actually, no. In order to achieve the over-fueling required to produce the burping phenomenon, one must master the precise timing of when to lift off the throttle in manual gearbox cars. Modern dual-clutches can perform a burp practically whenever they are under a significant throttle load because it is hard wired into their programming, largely for smoothness considerations.