Editing Multitronic

{{short description|Continuously variable transmission made by Audi}}
{{lowercase}}
{{transmission types}}
[[File:Audi Multitronic partially disassembled.jpg|thumb|Audi Multitronic partially disassembled]]

'''Multitronic'''<ref name=AudiUK>{{cite web|url=http://www.audi.co.uk/audi-innovation/our-technologies/transmissions.html|title=Multitronic < Transmissions < Our technologies < Audi innovation|work=[[Audi|AUDI AG]]|publisher=Audi.co.uk|access-date=26 January 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100127072350/http://www.audi.co.uk/audi-innovation/our-technologies/transmissions.html|archive-date=27 January 2010}}</ref> is a stepless [[transmission (mechanics)|transmission]] launched by [[Audi|AUDI AG]] in late 1999,<ref name=AudiWorld>{{cite web|url=https://www.audiworld.com/news/99/multitronic/content.shtml|title=Audi Multitronic transmission|work=AudiWorld.com|date=October 1999|access-date=26 January 2010}}</ref> jointly developed and manufactured by [[LuK]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|last=Kott|first=Douglas|date=2012-11-06|title=Audi's Multitronic CVT|url=https://www.roadandtrack.com/go/news/new-technology/audis-multitronic-cvt|access-date=2021-07-07|website=Road & Track|language=en-US}}</ref>  The capitalization used is '''multitronic''' (spelled by Audi with a lower-case leading 'm') and is a registered [[trademark]] of AUDI AG.

[[File:Audi Multitronic chain.jpg|thumb|Close-up of the multitronic transmission's chain]]
It is based on the principles of a [[continuously variable transmission]] (CVT) popularised by [[DAF Trucks|DAF]], but differs from other CVTs by using an unconventional type of steel chain consisting of parallel flat chain segments.<ref>{{Cite book|last1=Erjavec|first1=Jack|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_0V-BAAAQBAJ&q=multitronic+cvt&pg=PT291|title=Today's Technician: Manual Transmissions and Transaxles Classroom Manual and Shop Manual, Spiral bound Version|last2=Ronan|first2=Michael|date=2015-01-02|publisher=Cengage Learning|isbn=978-1-305-53407-0|language=en}}</ref> Unlike the conventional CVT push belt, the Multitronic chain uses tension to transfer forces.<ref name=":0" />

Multitronic is a term originally coined in the original series of Star Trek (see season two, episode 24: The Ultimate Computer). 

It offers a stepless automatic transmission<ref name=AudiWorld/> in which the ratio between the input shaft and output shaft can be varied continuously within a given range, providing virtually an infinite number of possible [[gear ratio|ratios]].  The Multitronic system uses a link-plate [[chain]] drive,<ref name=AudiWorld/> an [[oil cooling|oil-cooled]] [[clutch#Multiple plate clutch|multi-plate clutch]]<ref name=AudiWorld/> (initially of six parts,<ref name=AudiWorld/> later of seven to enable it to cope better with the high [[torque]] outputs of larger [[turbodiesel]] engines), and complex electronics, to overcome the traditional shortcomings of CVTs,<ref name=AudiWorld/> and allow a CVT transmission to be paired with a more powerful engine.

==Function==
The transmission is monitored and regulated by [[Audi]]'s "Dynamic Regulating Programme" (DRP),<ref name=AudiWorld/> which tracks the driver's inputs (from how the driver applies the throttle pedal),<ref name=AudiWorld/> driving conditions, and engine load - to compute the optimal [[gear ratio]] for fuel efficiency or maximum performance, as mandated by the user.<ref name=AudiWorld/>  The transmission can select pre-programmed underdrive to increase performance, or overdrive to improve economy.<ref name=AudiWorld/>  From 2004, Multitronic transmissions offered manual selection of a 'sport mode' to pre-select the performance mapping.  The electronic system also includes sensors to detect whether the vehicle is traveling downhill, and provides additional [[engine braking]] in such circumstances.<ref name=AudiWorld/>  Multitronic also offers a number of driver-selectable fixed ratios, selectable from either the gear-lever in a sequential style, or via (optional) steering wheel-mounted fingertip paddle-shift controls.<ref name=AudiWorld/>

Early versions offered six ratios;<ref name=AudiWorld/> in 2004, this was increased to seven, while new Audi models now have Multitronic transmission with eight ratios.  Some [[Audi A6]] variants that feature the Multitronic transmission are now equipped with the fingertip controls on steering wheel as standard.  These controls can also switch to semi-automatic mode when one of the paddles is activated; however, they revert to fully automatic after a predetermined period of time of inactivity.

==Real world performance==
Multitronic offers performance and economy similar to, and in some cases better than, the equivalent five-speed manual gearboxes,<ref name=AudiUK/><ref name=AudiWorld/> and superior to the traditional [[automatic transmission]].<ref name=AudiWorld/>  Particular performance advantages are noticed with 'in-gear' seamless acceleration<ref name=AudiUK/> times over equivalent manual transmission cars.<ref name=AudiWorld/>

Multitronic was offered on [[front wheel drive]]-only versions of the [[Audi A4]], [[Audi A5]], [[Audi A6]], and the [[SEAT Exeo]] with the 2.0&nbsp;[[List of Volkswagen Group petrol engines|TSI]] gasoline engine.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://media.seat.com/en/salones/575-una-compra-inteligente.html |title=Value with quality and style |access-date=2010-04-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100328104844/http://media.seat.com/en/salones/575-una-compra-inteligente.html |archive-date=2010-03-28 |url-status=dead }}</ref>  It is not compatible with the [[quattro (four wheel drive system)|quattro]] four-wheel drive system, nor [[transverse engine]] installations such as in the [[Audi A3]].  At first, the (model 01J) torque limit was {{convert|310|Nm|0|lk=on}}, but the later model 0AW transmission is now modified to withstand {{convert|400|Nm|0}} torque. In 2014 Audi announced to discontinue Multitronic and replace it with [[Direct-shift_gearbox#Audi|S tronic]], effectively making the [[Audi_A5#First_generation_.282007.E2.80.932016.29|Audi A5 8T]] the last model it was sold with.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.caradvice.com.au/297956/audi-kills-off-multitronic-cvt-automatic-forever/|title=Audi kills off multitronic CVT automatic|access-date=2016-10-24}}</ref>

==Reliability==
[[File:Flashing gear selector on the dashboard of an Audi A4.png|thumb|right|Flashing gear selector (PRNDS) on the dashboard of an Audi A4, indicating a malfunction in the transmission system.]]
There have been numerous reports from owners around the world that the multitronic transmission is prone to electronic glitches and mechanical issues  emerged in the TCUs commonly cause by overheat oil leakage to TCU especially for models (01J & 0AN) using clutch pack with six plates built before or around 2006.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|last=Orth|first=Michael|date=2013-06-11|title=Probleme mit der Audi-Automatik: Stufenlose Multitronic macht Ärger|url=https://www.auto-motor-und-sport.de/news/probleme-mit-der-audi-automatik-stufenlose-multitronic-macht-aerger/|access-date=2021-07-07|website=auto motor und sport|language=de}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Automatikgetriebe-Reparatur: Alternative zum neuen Getriebe|url=https://www.autobild.de/artikel/automatikgetriebe-reparatur-14089959.html|access-date=2021-07-07|website=autobild.de}}</ref> Later model ( 0AW with VL381f TCU) have been considered more reliable.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-07-04|title=Audi A7 als Gebrauchtwagen: Luxusschlitten für knapp 16 000 Euro?|url=https://www.bild.de/bild-plus/auto/tests/tests/audi-a7-als-gebrauchtwagen-luxusschlitten-fuer-knapp-16000-euro-76840024.bild.html|access-date=2021-07-07|website=bild.de|language=de|quote=Die Multitronic gilt im A7 als nicht so katastrophal wie in früheren Typen.}}</ref> Typical symptoms include flashing gear selector (PRNDS indicator) on the dashboard, hesitation and/or shudder during acceleration, inability to select reverse gear and others.<ref name=":1" /> Although Audi recommends a [[Hydraulic fluid|transmission fluid]] change at 55,000 and 115,000 kilometres (or 35,000 and 75,000 miles),<ref>{{cite web|url=http://microsites.audiusa.com/ngw/11/media/downloads/pdfs/us/scheduled_maintenance/ScheduledMaintFlipChart_2006.pdf|title=2006 Scheduled Maintenance Intervals|publisher=Audi Services|access-date=2012-04-15|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120417093451/http://microsites.audiusa.com/ngw/11/media/downloads/pdfs/us/scheduled_maintenance/ScheduledMaintFlipChart_2006.pdf|archive-date=2012-04-17}}</ref>{{Synthesis inline|date=July 2021}} there are cases where transmission failures have still occurred even with recommended fluid changes.

In the USA a Class Action was won to give Audi owners a new transmission if it failed in the first 10 years.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.autonews.com/article/20131004/RETAIL05/131009910/audi-cvt-settlement-approved-covers-64000-cars|title=Audi CVT settlement approved, covers 64,000 cars|access-date=2016-07-07}}</ref>

==Promotional campaign==
In 2001, Audi promoted the Multitronic transmission with television commercials throughout [[Europe]], featuring an impersonator of musician and actor [[Elvis Presley]].<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YQo95oI4nXY Audi Wackel-Elvis commercial (2001, British version)]</ref><ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1czNu9pTzM Audi Wackel-Elvis commercial (2001, German version)]</ref> A [[prototypical]] dashboard figure - later named "[[Wackel-Elvis]]" ("Wobble Elvis" or "Wobbly Elvis") - appeared in the commercials to demonstrate the smooth ride in an Audi equipped with the Multitronic transmission. The dashboard figure was originally intended for use in the commercials only, but after they aired the demand for Wackel-Elvis grew among fans and the figure was mass-produced in China and marketed by Audi in their factory outlet store.<ref>[https://www.welt.de/print-welt/article456186/Wackel_Elvis_von_Audi_Fans_stehen_Schlange.html Fans Waiting in Line for Release of Wackel-Elvis, 06/11/2001, ''Die Welt'' (German)]</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*{{Official website|http://www.audi.com/com/brand/en/models/efficiency/efficiency_technologies/transmissions/multitronic.html}}
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20130202175446/http://frankensteinmotorworks.com/turbine/docs/multitronic.pdf Variable Automatic Gearbox multitronic 01J Design and Function Self-Study Programme 228]

{{Audi}}
{{Powertrain}}

[[Category:Audi]]
[[Category:Automatic transmission tradenames]]
[[Category:Continuously variable transmissions]]