Audi may discontinue multitronic CVT gearbox

German luxury carmaker Audi was among the initial lot of automakers to make use of the continuously variable transmission (CVT) in its production models back in late 1999. The multitronic, as Audi calls it, is known for its low fuel consumption and is still being offered in cars like the base-spec versions of the A4 and the A6.

Audi, however, could discontinue the gearbox which will not be offered in the brand’s next-generation models. According to a report by Motoring, Audi has ceased development of the multitronic which will now make way for a new 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.

Senior Audi driving behaviour engineer Ralph Riegger has been quoted saying, “It isn’t being developed anymore. It served its purpose because it was very good for fuel economy, but now we have this new stepped transmission that is better.”

The replacement for the multitronic is said to be an evolution of the 7-speed DSG dual-clutch unit by Volkswagen. The latter is currently offered in a variety of VW group products and Audi’s upcoming version of it will arrive later next year with the new B9 series A4.

Source: motoring.com.au