Audi drops manual gearboxes for S4 & S5 in Europe

[freshmeat]

U.S. enthusiasts get to keep the manual transmission option while Europe will be strictly DSG

Audi will be dropping manual gearboxes in the S4 and S5 range in Europe, according to a report by Fourtitude.com.

The report states that Audi will keep offering a six-speed manual for the 2012 Audi S4 and S5 models in the United States but that the European editions will only be offered with the seven-speed S-tronic (DSG) gearbox. The report doesn't specify when the manual option expires but did state that the six-speed gearbox is no longer available in some online configurators for Europe.

Audi of America's product planning manager Barry Hoch confirmed the news to Fourtitude.com in an e-mail:
"They (Europe) lose the manual. We keep the manual! 100% confirmed, although I don't know what other markets also get to keep it. I don't want to fear for my life when I leave the office. The manual transmission enthusiasts are... umm... passionate individuals. Save the Manuals!" wrote Hoch.

Source: Fourtitude.com

[gazza1]

This is not all bad..

At least the car design still allows a manual gearbox fitment dependent on the country demographic.

Unlike Ferrari who just says no world wide.

If Audi release the all new R8 with a possible V8 twin turbo S-Tronic..it would be my pick.

Torque improvement over the current V8 and snappy gear changes would be very tempting.

I love factory turbo's as you can tinker with the software and safely draw a lot more HP.

[Maverick]

I'm with you Gazza - all over those factory Turbos. My BMW 335i is up to about 360 hp.
M