Volkswagen and Audi have had a great deal of success with their personal version of the BorgWarner’s transmission that is dual-clutch.  Now, BMW has added a seven-speed transmission that is double clutch, coming out later this year, so Audi had decided to up the game by raising its gear count.

According to Autocar magazine, Audi will debut an S-tronic gearbox that is seven-speed.  This is supposed to be used with the quattro that is four-wheel-drive.  The gearbox is so high-performance that it can handle torque output up to 406 lb-ft.  It is along the same line as the current box that Audi has, and BMW’s newest one.  There are two clutches that are continuously acting.  Alternating gears are pre-selected allowing the transmission to shift within hundredths of a second.

Audi is introducing this gearbox at the Beijing auto show.  It is installed in the Q5 crossover.

New technology is great for consumers, yet motorists should protect themselves with new car warranties in the event that technology would fail.  Drivers should never chance being unprotected in the case of a breakdown.