Multitronic

Automotive transmissions
Manual
Automatic / Semi-automatic
Audi Multitronic partially disassembled

Multitronic[1] is a stepless transmission launched by AUDI AG in late 1999,[2] jointly developed and manufactured by LuK.[3] The capitalization used is multitronic (spelled by Audi with a lower-case leading 'm') and is a registered trademark of AUDI AG.

Close-up of the multitronic transmission's chain

It is based on the principles of a continuously variable transmission (CVT) popularised by DAF, but differs from other CVTs by using an unconventional type of steel chain consisting of parallel flat chain segments.[4] Unlike the conventional CVT push belt, the Multitronic chain uses tension to transfer forces.[3]

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[2] 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 ratios. The Multitronic system uses a link-plate chain drive,[2] an oil-cooled multi-plate clutch[2] (initially of six parts,[2] 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,[2] and allow a CVT transmission to be paired with a more powerful engine.

  1. ^ "Multitronic < Transmissions < Our technologies < Audi innovation". AUDI AG. Audi.co.uk. Archived from the original on 27 January 2010. Retrieved 26 January 2010.
  2. ^ a b c d e f "Audi Multitronic transmission". AudiWorld.com. October 1999. Retrieved 26 January 2010.
  3. ^ a b Kott, Douglas (2012-11-06). "Audi's Multitronic CVT". Road & Track. Retrieved 2021-07-07.
  4. ^ Erjavec, Jack; Ronan, Michael (2015-01-02). Today's Technician: Manual Transmissions and Transaxles Classroom Manual and Shop Manual, Spiral bound Version. Cengage Learning. ISBN 978-1-305-53407-0.