Press release

August 2, 2007

Audi extends its lead in gearboxes

Audi plans to introduce 8-speed automatic transmission before BMW - 8-speed dual-clutch transmission planned - A4 and A5 with active steering as early as the IAA

Würzburg, August 3, 2007

Audi wants to beat BMW in the race for the first 8-speed automatic transmission among German premium manufacturers. "Assume that we will offer an 8-speed automatic sooner than others," said a high-ranking Group manager in an interview with "Automobil Industrie".

While the third-generation Audi A8, which will make its debut at the end of 2009, will be equipped with an 8-speed automatic transmission from ZF right from the start, the BMW 7 Series, which will make its debut in summer 2008, will initially be equipped with the familiar 6-speed automatic transmission. Almost at the same time as the A8 debut, the BMW will also be equipped with an 8-speed automatic transmission, also supplied by ZF.

Audi and BMW are thus following in the footsteps of the Japanese luxury brand Lexus, which has already presented an 8-speed automatic from Aisin in the LS series this year. For the time being, Mercedes-Benz intends to stick with the 7-speed automatic developed and built in-house, which was launched at the end of 2003.

Audi is also working on an 8-speed dual-clutch gearbox, which is to be introduced in the A4, A5 and A6 models around 2010. This is a transmission with a wet clutch for longitudinal installation. Audi is already offering a wet 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, which was developed jointly with BorgWarner.

Audi will be launching an active steering system for the A4 and A5 at this year's IAA in Frankfurt. The system supplied by ZF adapts the steering ratio to the speed being driven and, unlike the system offered by BMW, is designed to intervene completely free of play. Audi is also working on a so-called "torque vectoring" system, with which the drive torque can be individually distributed in order to stabilize the car. BMW offers this system on the X5, while Audi also wants to equip conventional models with it.

In recent years, there has been a battle between Audi and BMW to position themselves as the sportiest premium brand. The high-revving concept of the Audi RS4 was aimed directly at the BMW M3, and BMW currently has no equal to the Audi R8 sports car. With the new 8-speed gearboxes, Audi wants to further raise its profile.

When publishing, please cite the source "Automobil Industrie".

"Automobil Industrie" is a monthly trade magazine published by Vogel Business Media, Würzburg. The circulation of around 15,000 copies is aimed at automotive manufacturers, suppliers, equipment suppliers and service providers at decision-maker level. The industry magazine celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2005.

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"Automotive Industry"

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