I have just found this item on another forum which indicates an increase in the power than the S-tronic will be able to handle, especially in cars with longitudinal engines
"Audi is preparing a new version of its S-tronic dual-clutch gearbox with the ability to drive more power to the wheels and also work with longitudinally mounted engines. The gearbox is expected to first show up in the upcoming Q5 SUV, but will eventually make its way to the A4 and A5.
One of the primary limitations of the old gearbox was the inability to handle torque figures higher than 320Nm, however this has been boosted to 550Nm in the new model. This means were likely to see more performance models with dual-clutch shifting. At the moment Audi is forced to use a CVT transmission in the A5 3.2L FSI and the S5 tiptronic models because the engines develop 330Nm and 440Nm respectively. The current RS4 develops 430Nm so even with a generous boost for the new generation model, its likely Audi will be able to offer dual-clutch as an option and make it below the 550Nm cutoff.
Previous owners of Audi and VW dual-clutch gearboxes were limited to six gears, however the new model will get one more. Both automatic and manual shift modes will be available for drivers.
The gearbox is also likely to be mated to the new quattro AWD system with sport differential.
Audi is expected to completely replace standard automatic or CVT gearboxes with dual-clutch boxes on all but a few models such as their Q7 SUV and A8 limo due to higher torque figures."
"Audi is preparing a new version of its S-tronic dual-clutch gearbox with the ability to drive more power to the wheels and also work with longitudinally mounted engines. The gearbox is expected to first show up in the upcoming Q5 SUV, but will eventually make its way to the A4 and A5.
One of the primary limitations of the old gearbox was the inability to handle torque figures higher than 320Nm, however this has been boosted to 550Nm in the new model. This means were likely to see more performance models with dual-clutch shifting. At the moment Audi is forced to use a CVT transmission in the A5 3.2L FSI and the S5 tiptronic models because the engines develop 330Nm and 440Nm respectively. The current RS4 develops 430Nm so even with a generous boost for the new generation model, its likely Audi will be able to offer dual-clutch as an option and make it below the 550Nm cutoff.
Previous owners of Audi and VW dual-clutch gearboxes were limited to six gears, however the new model will get one more. Both automatic and manual shift modes will be available for drivers.
The gearbox is also likely to be mated to the new quattro AWD system with sport differential.
Audi is expected to completely replace standard automatic or CVT gearboxes with dual-clutch boxes on all but a few models such as their Q7 SUV and A8 limo due to higher torque figures."
