The manual gearbox could soon be a niche offering exclusive to economy cars and a small number of enthusiast cars, said Ulrich Hackenberg, Audi’s head of technical development.
Speaking to Australian media at last week’s Geneva Motor Show, Hackenberg said the automatic gearbox has surpassed the manual gearbox in every way possible, including being able to provide better fuel economy and performance.
“I think manual gearboxes will go back [be reduced in their usage] absolutely, because with double-clutch and also with new multi-speed gearboxes based on hydraulics, you can use an automatic gearbox very manually,” he said, referring to the manumatic function on many new cars. “If you look to the needs of the customers, you can do everything with an automatic gearbox, so it’s only a question of the money. Manual gearboxes, I think, will stay in cars where the customer wants a lower price, and maybe some more sporty cars.”
Hackenberg, who helped develop Volkswagen’s highly lauded DSG dual-clutch transmission, said having a DSG in an Audi TT will give a driver a five to seven-second advantage around the Nurburgring.
