911 Engine + A4 Automatic Transmission?

[Wayne 962]

Ok, I know you guys love to think about things. The 911 engine is pretty well understood, and can be designed to produce a large amount of HP within a narrow band.

Audi's latest transmission uses a continuous speed type transmission where the engine RPM doesn't change, but the transmission uses variable gears to apply torque to the wheels.

Wouldn't it be great to use one of these transmissions with a maxed out 911 engine with a tight power band? It would basically convert all that HP into useable street power, creating a very fast car.

Of course, the A4 unit probably wouldn't be able to handle it, but a tranny like that opens up the floodgate on ideas...

???

-Wayne

Well there's no doubt that we will se more of these CVT gearboxes. Nissan used them for years in the Micra 1.0 and 1.3 and recently introduced a beefed up version for the Primera 2.0. Audi has offered a CVT gearbox for the A6 2.8 30V for a couple of years I think. It seems that they are beginning to overcome the problem with the gearboxes only being strong enough for small engines. But there's still some way to go for a 911 suited gearbox

Anyway a CVT would take out much of the fun driving a 911 wouldn't it?

[JuiceMan]

Excellent idea. I was redaing about these transmissions a few days ago very impressive.

[orbmedia]

Subaru offered such a transmission in it's low-end Justy model 15 years ago. I remember it was not popular despite it's brilliance. Reviewers said it felt like a continuously slipping automatic transmission and gave them a very uneasy feeling.

Long term, electric powerplants should make this unnecessary.