Quattro shifter question

["Robert B." <robbrauns@bb.eulink.net>]

Hello Q-List:

Really stupid question: how does the shifter in a Quattro (or any Audi
work)?

I mean, how does moving the lever from say, 2nd to 3rd, actually change
the gears in the transmission? Looking at my shifter, it seems that all
the shifter does is move the lever on the transmission forward and
backwards and that's it.

If this is true, wouldn't it be possible to build a hydraulic shifter
(like the SMG BMW Euro gearbox $) that moves the transmission lever
corresponding to the gear you want.

Any ideas/comments?

Rob
85 QC and 84 C