No More manual for A4?!

[Brett Dikeman]

On Aug 22, 2008, at 8:41 AM, Andrew Duane wrote:

>
> It doesn't surprise me, given Audi's stance on the A6, and most  
> makers stances on everything these days. Sticks are becoming almost  
> unavailable.
> BMW still offers almost everything in a stick, and on some models  
> you can even get the hydraulic shifting DSG (I think?) gearbox,  
> which kicks ass!
> I think Volvo still has at least some sticks. The V70-R for sure,  
> and I bet at least the S60.

They're hard to find, but I think the T5's can all be had in sticks.   
All the R's can be, but they're discontinued last I heard.  BMW's  
system is SMG, and reviews were pretty so-so (great for around the  
track, murder in town), certainly on the first generation.

As for 2009 A4 transmissions, Motor Trend said this:

"When the A4 goes on sale here, it will initially be offered in  
quattro form only, with one engine and transmission -- a new 3.2- 
liter, 265-horsepower V-6 backed by a ZF six-speed automatic. A second  
engine will follow -- expect an all-new 2.0T four and a manual and/or  
DSG with quattro as an option."

TheAutoChannel, on 8/3:

"New for the 2009 A4 is a new ZF 6-speed automatic transmission that  
disengages when stopped to reduce fuel consumption. On some models, a  
6-speed manual will be available, for now it will be the A4 with 2.0- 
liter engine and all wheel Quattro drive. Later, Audi's multitronic  
CVT (continuously variable transmission) will be available on front  
wheel drive cars."

Check dates on articles- C&D's coverage of the 2009 A4 is from *August  
2007*.

Brett