Response to Motor Trend's article about the new R8s

[gazza1]

The demise of the R tronic is just reflecting what the majority of new buyers now expect in any new vehicle

The R-tronic is now consigned to history and whilst it will be fondly remembered by current owners..it is probably struggling on the expectation of a current 2013 shopper who's in the market for a expensive performance car and it doesn't reflect the cutting edge that all the R8 competitors now offer.

Expectations from new car shoppers would be around the smoothness of gear change and its performance and quickness of gear change.. along with additional considerations from Audi such as fuel management,performance stats on the brochure and emissions due to tightening legislative requirements in the future.

I understand current R-tronic owners lamenting the passing of the R-tronic..as it does provide driving engagement for a driver that can be influenced by driver skill and finesse and this IS its asset.

After owning a Nissan GT-R... I understand the concerns and agree around comments of a possible sterile and soulless transmission with the new Stronic that requires no driver input apart from pulling a paddle.

I for one certainly hope that Audi does build a personality into the S tronic for the R8.. as I would be interested if I step into a new R8.

Finally the manual transmission fills a niche for a particular buyer...and unfortunately this also seems consigned to history as well.

[randombloke]

Have to agree with all of that gazza

[SteveR]

Have to agree with all of that gazza

Yep, he's right. If most auto reviewers can't see the charm of a single clutch transmission then very few buyers will. The advantages of a DSG are easy to market (acceleration numbers and glowing drivability reviews). The R-Tronic is only slightly behind the DSG in those areas while delivering superior drama. I think most sportscar buyers would value a more thrilling drive over a few milliseconds of shifting time, but it's a very difficult feature to market.

For some reason the inevitable passing of the R-Tronic feels more tragic to me than the slow fade of natural aspiration and manual transmissions. It's like a brilliant film that nobody sees simply because it is difficult to market.

[Jeff]

For some reason the inevitable passing of the R-Tronic feels more tragic to me than the slow fade of natural aspiration and manual transmissions. It's like a brilliant film that nobody sees simply because it is difficult to market.

Yes indeed ... and so sad.

['Trust']

Regretfully I was pretty disappointed in the R-Tronic, even over the F1 trans in my 430, and even more so the DCT in the GTR. However, after knowing my way around the quirks, it's pretty fun to drive. I'm a little blown away at how lazy the shifts are at full throttle even compared to the 430 though, but leaves me hopeful in a tuning fix for it. I will not be getting a DCT R8 simply because I know how expensive it is building, and rebuilding DCT transmissions with big power (GTR makes about 1400whp), and the goals of the R8 is a simple Stage III UGR build. Simply put, I don't want to be a guinea pig for Audi's DCT in the R8 on big power, and the simplicity of the automated manual works out just fine for me.

If I planned on leaving the car stock? Sure, I'd be switching.

Care to comment on Lamborghini's choice for its Aventador ??

Probably the single worst choice made out of Bolognese in recent history.

[SebringSilver]

I'm keeping my V10 R-tronic long-term for sure, but I can't wait to try the S-tronic R8 when it's out. All of us who appreciate the single-clutch should also keep an open mind brfore dismissing the new gearbox out-of-hand.

It might not be what we want, but it sure will be interesting to learn more about it.

[biggie27]

Regretfully I was pretty disappointed in the R-Tronic, even over the F1 trans in my 430, and even more so the DCT in the GTR. However, after knowing my way around the quirks, it's pretty fun to drive. I'm a little blown away at how lazy the shifts are at full throttle even compared to the 430 though, but leaves me hopeful in a tuning fix for it. I will not be getting a DCT R8 simply because I know how expensive it is building, and rebuilding DCT transmissions with big power (GTR makes about 1400whp), and the goals of the R8 is a simple Stage III UGR build. Simply put, I don't want to be a guinea pig for Audi's DCT in the R8 on big power, and the simplicity of the automated manual works out just fine for me.

If I planned on leaving the car stock? Sure, I'd be switching.



Probably the single worst choice made out of Bolognese in recent history.

so true surprisingly the best single clutch gearbox I have ever tried was on my e46 M3 the SMG II on the M3 was magnificent and the 5 or 6 setting controling unit was wonderful so u can control ur shifts depending on your mood

[snowbro]

For all of you who like, or dislike the R-tronic, I highly suggest upgrading the TCU to enjoy an R-tronic that shifts much faster (both upwards and downwards) than stock. I was NOT a huge fan of the R-tronic transmission until after this upgrade. It makes the car so much more enjoyable to drive now though. I have a feeling a lot of you R-tronic haters (ok, hate may be a bit of strong word....lol) would have a major change of heart after feeling the difference.

[randombloke]

Pity there are no before-and-after comparison in-car videos to show the difference.

[SebringSilver]

For all of you who like, or dislike the R-tronic, I highly suggest upgrading the TCU to enjoy an R-tronic that shifts much faster (both upwards and downwards) than stock. I was NOT a huge fan of the R-tronic transmission until after this upgrade. It makes the car so much more enjoyable to drive now though. I have a feeling a lot of you R-tronic haters (ok, hate may be a bit of strong word....lol) would have a major change of heart after feeling the difference.

Who did the upgrade on yours? Can you provide a bit more feedback on the way your car drives now, after the upgrade?

Thanks.