Changing an R-Tronic to S-Tronic

[desertwindauh]

With all the negative feedback from the R-Tronic, surely there must be a market to replace it with the newer S-Tronic?

I just wonder how difficult and how expensive this might be, bearing in mind that the engines haven't changed much, if at all.

I appreciate all responses.

Some background:
I owned an Aston Vanquish S. Brilliant car, when it worked, not so when it was getting fixed mechanically (which was too often in the end). Brilliant as it was it had an atrocious automated manual system (why couldn't they have just made it with a plain old automatic? Surely if Mercedes AMG could do it, they could have too?)
Here's a photo of the Vanquish S when I first tested it:

After another unscheduled problem I was so upset that I sold the Vanquish and got a manual Acura NSX. This was great until I hurt my knee and realized I wouldn't be able to drive a manual comfortably again. So, I am now finalizing a deal for the 2012 R8 V10 in Sepang Blue with the Red nappa leather interior.
Here's a couple of photos of the R8 at the dealer


But, I was thinking aloud to myself, what if we could retro-fit the new S-Tronic into the older R-Tronic cars...

[Arantor]

Thought about it also some days ago, and talked to some engineers from Audi - way to big thing. Switching to the S-Troniic with all the new controll systems, sensor, actuators, connectors, elektronics, whatever - they didn't say it is impossible, but too much. Also it means changes for the engine, for the main VCU, nearly everything.

[SebringSilver]

If you're that concerned about it, I'd just order the facelift R8 with S-tronic to save yourself from any regrets. Having said that though, my guess is you'll love the R-tronic if you really like a manual gearbox but just don't want to deal with the third pedal anymore.

On the S-tronic, gear shifts will be a non-event, not so on the R-tronic. Good luck!

Love the Sepang Blue, by the way.

Edit: from yor original post, it sounds like you intend to drive the car in fully automatic mode, since you mention Mercedes AMG, if that is true, R-tronic is not going to work out well for you. Drive it in Manual mode and you'll enjoy it much much more.

[Jeffnicolson]

Hey saw this i car in Mussafa last week, is pretty much brand new and looks awesome. I totally agree with the above you have to drive the car in manual, as auto drives me crazy, just shifts as all the wrong times!

[aquarianuw]

Someone needs to develop remote ETU flash for the R-tronics, fast. There is a lot of demand for that.

[Dr. G]

I came from a 2012 Vantage S with the 7 speed Graziano automated manual (single clutch). The R8 is a pleasure to drive with the R tronic as long as you use the accelerator in the same manner as if you were doing the clutching. You can bang shifts, too, but a very slight lift when shifting keeps things pretty smooth.

[desertwindauh]

i am looking forward to finding out real soon!
Thank you all for responding.

[ylwiron]

Someone needs to develop remote ETU flash for the R-tronics, fast. There is a lot of demand for that.

German Motoring out of Florida was working on it a month or so ago. It is estimated to take off about .2 sec from 0-60's, and lightning fast shifts.

[snowbro]

German Motoring out of Florida was working on it a month or so ago. It is estimated to take off about .2 sec from 0-60's, and lightning fast shifts.

I had mine done awhile ago by them and will try and post video this Saturday when I take my car to the local track. The upshifts are very nice, downshifts sublime ;-)

[aquarianuw]

Yup. I know about German Motoring. But now they are not offering remote upgrading. That means one needs to send in the ETU box for now.

German Motoring out of Florida was working on it a month or so ago. It is estimated to take off about .2 sec from 0-60's, and lightning fast shifts.