ovlov

whats the differences between audi's multitronic trans that i've been seeing on the commmercials and a continuously variable transmission. CVTs have been around for awhile, but this audi one sounds like they've done something different to it. i just don't know what.

Perpetual Novice

The difference between Audi's CVT and previous attempts is strength.

Audi's made it strong enough to take the power of their 3.0 liter V6.

Once they get it working with a 4.2 biturbo and quattro, that's going to be one hell of a setup

ovlov

if you can afford it.

ovlov

but wait a second...

infiniti (nissan's luxury marque) has been using a CVT in their 4.5 liter V8 (Q45) since it's conception in 1990. so it can't only be 'strength' or else they won't be 'changing driving as we know it,' as has been said.

Perpetual Novice

So you end up with a CVT with all the disadvantages of an automatic (torque converters, by their very nature, are inefficient)

The Multitronic system uses electronic clutches, is lighter than a comparable auto transmission, and faster than a manual transmission. Once mated to quattro, it will meet the needs of sport enthusiasts and luxury drivers at the same time.

Have you looked at this article:
https://www.audiworld.com/news/01/2002a4/content.shtml