An Audi patent leak reveals an evolution in its S tronic dual-clutch transmissions. The goal is ambitious: to achieve practically instantaneous gear changes. The German brand wants to reduce the last milliseconds of the process, seeking even greater efficiency in a system already known for its response speed. The key lies in modifying the traditional sequence of operations.
The engineering behind instant gear changes ⚙️
The patent modifies the usual sequence of operations. Instead of waiting for the clutch to fully disengage before selecting the new gear, the system begins to engage the desired speed before the current clutch's disengagement is complete. This parallel execution of both actions shortens the preparation time. The result is a gear change that, according to the documentation, could be perceived as instantaneous, eliminating the pause between the driver's command and the power delivery.
Zero seconds, the dream of any impatient driver ⏱️
This patent is good news for those who get frustrated at a traffic light. Now, the time you lose between mentally pressing the clutch and the car reacting could be history. However, be careful about ordering a coffee at a drive-thru with this transmission: you could order a cortado and, before you blink, be leaving the parking lot with an espresso. The efficiency is such that the car will change gears before your passenger finishes their sentence.