R8 2013 Audi R8 with 7 speed DSG being tested...

tristatez28lt1 · May 12, 2011

Seems like Aud is not wasting any time and is trying the DSG in the R8 as well. Only makes sense since the old 6 speed R-Tronic got mixed reviews.

Full article:
2013 Audi R8 - 2013 Audi R8 with a Dual-Clutch Transmission Spy Photos on RoadandTrack.com

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donkeykong · May 12, 2011

That's fantastic news I always thought the next generation R8 would bare a DSG transmission. :banana:

The R8 is now reaching perfection!

martinbo · May 13, 2011

Yes, very interesting development. It could be assumed that this would be a logical progression for the R8 - given that a longitudinally-oriented dual-clutch gearbox is already installed in the RS5 - but the reality is that this is not as cut-and-dried an execise as is immediately apparent and may come at a considerable cost to Audi.

Whilst some commonality is achievable in the actual gearing and shafts, how Audi will package this remains to be seen; Audis with front engines in the longitudinal orientation place the front differential ahead of the dual-clutch pack in order to get the front axle as far forward as possible. In a mid-engined car this would be an unnecessary feature.

Furthermore, in the R8 the majority of the torque is directed through the rear axle, circa 90%. In the RS5 the front axle (which would be the rear axle of the R8) only gets a static 40% split - 60% being normally directed rearwards via the new electro-mechanical centre differential. You then introduce the final complication of drive going to the wheels furthest from the engine being directed in opposite directions between the R8 and RS5.

So, in my opinion, there are few synergies for Audi to leverage off in converting the R8 to S-Tronic (DSG) and fewer subsequent benefits for all but Gallardo's replacement which will now surely benefit from this development in order to bring it in line competetively with the 458 and MP4-12C which both feature dual-clutch transmissions.

R8 Drivetrain and Transmission Packaging