BMW and Audi To Follow Lexus' Lead In 8 Speed Transmissions

As we reported last month, it appears BMW and Audi, following the lead of Lexus, will begin to offer eight-speed automatic transmissions in their flagship models.

Sources are now saying the transmission will be supplied by ZF Friedrichshafen, a familiar German supplier to both marques. Although we don't know all of the specifics, Audi is expected to debut the new slushbox in the range-topping A8 sedan, Q7 SUV, and their future A7 premium model.

BMW will likely debut the new gearbox in their premium 7-Series sedan and the X6 Sport Activity Vehicle, according to company sources.
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EL34 - 5/12/2008 4:32:17 PM

-14 Boost

It makes perfect sense to have an 8 speed in an Audi or BMW, but what's the point to have one in a Lexus :-?

_43LE - 5/12/2008 5:19:27 PM

+16 Boost

Obviously for the same reasons that it makes sense to have it in an Audi or BMW. ;-)

sector - 5/12/2008 10:31:43 PM

+3 Boost

you're right, looks like the IS-F doesn't even need all 8 to hang with the M3s on the track :)

LexusLion - 5/13/2008 5:38:13 PM

+3 Boost

BMW and Audi have finally started copying Lexus. I prefer the real thing, though. :-P

S4cabriofoxone - 5/12/2008 5:26:44 PM

+1 Boost

Unnecessary. I would much rather both of them used their seven-speed DSG transmissions.

chewy - 5/13/2008 12:22:33 AM

+4 Boost

7 speed DSG is made for sporty cars. 8 speed tiptronic for the more luxury oriented cars

Brembo - 5/13/2008 3:11:15 PM

+1 Boost

I believe Audi said that the 7-speed dsg can't handle the torque power and may not last so they sticking to 6-speed dsg for the sporty car.

Denali - 5/12/2008 5:57:31 PM

+1 Boost

nothing new, whose next Mercedes?

BigShow50 - 5/12/2008 5:58:26 PM

+5 Boost

Lol...now the German now follow the japs, from Hydrids, to now 8 speed transmission, the trend continues...so what's next? Btw, EL34 is a "tit on a boar!" Buddy does not even own a car...

Lexus - 5/12/2008 5:59:57 PM

+3 Boost

Key words, qoute "BMW and Audi followed Lexus Lead in 8 Speed Transmissions" And that is all we need to read on this post, = ) LOL ...............

AgentOrange - 5/13/2008 4:40:57 PM

+1 Boost

Lexus uses ZF trannies? who knew?

lexusis350 - 5/12/2008 6:59:24 PM

+10 Boost

I remember when Lexus announced the LS 460 would have an 8-speed and how everyone thought it was a stupid idea. But now that BMW and Audi have jumped on the bandwagon, it's a different story. But good for Lexus pioneering this.

F1_Driver - 5/12/2008 8:34:03 PM

+2 Boost

I get the uneasy feeling this site is Eurocentric.

hao420 - 5/12/2008 9:36:21 PM

+2 Boost

lexusis350

U telling di true...............

S4cabriofoxone - 5/12/2008 10:16:42 PM

-2 Boost

"But now that BMW and Audi have jumped on the bandwagon, it's a different story."

My post:

"Unnecessary. I would much rather both of them used their seven-speed DSG transmissions."

sector - 5/12/2008 10:37:31 PM

+1 Boost

not sure about Eurocentric, but a lot of BMW crack addicts to be found :)

ThierryHenry14 - 5/13/2008 5:24:35 PM

+1 Boost

btw, I still think its stupid...

bmwdrvr - 5/12/2008 8:09:00 PM

+1 Boost

i dont get why Audi doesnt put there DSG transmission thats in the tt in the A5/S5

AlexTx - 5/12/2008 9:55:05 PM

+1 Boost

It's in the A3 and TT. It will available in the new A4 and A5 most likely by 2009 and the rest of the brand by 2010.

aarononymous - 5/12/2008 10:09:36 PM

+5 Boost

because US drivers prefer smooth autoboxes to lightning-fast sporty DSG transmissions. The new A4 or Q5 won't be released here with the new 7-speed DSG for the in-line motors unfortunately.

chewy - 5/13/2008 12:23:06 AM

0 Boost

aaronymous has it right, DSG is too sporty for the mainstream buyers

bmwdrvr - 5/13/2008 12:28:09 AM

-1 Boost

i guess thats why the A5 also lacks steering feel, and its effort is way to light, but that it would have been a good combination especially for the S5 it should make the car faster, and improve fuel efficiency while offering very quick shifts....if the Audi wouldnt have killed the A5's sportiness and tried making it into a v6 gt, instead of a true competitor to the 3 series, and G37 coupe better steering feel, and the DSG would have made it hard to beat

Heyhuub - 5/13/2008 2:19:26 AM

+1 Boost

Good to know then that despite it's GT-pretentions the A5/S5 is just as fast on a track as the supposedly sporty 3 series.

bmwdrvr - 5/13/2008 8:41:04 AM

+1 Boost

so is a toyota camry that doesnt make it a performance car....but thank for the misinformed insight. you may want to read some reviews of the A5 before you make comments...or for that matter read up on what a GT is vs a performance car, because there are plenty of GT cars that are fast, and they lack the sharp handling, and steering feedback, hence them being GT cars.

stash84 - 5/13/2008 2:48:19 PM

0 Boost

with gas prices soaring..an 8 spd tranny helps save gas..and i dont consider this "copying lexus", its just next for automakers and lexus did it first..its inevitable..one day there will be a 10 spd believe it or not !!!

gsh23 - 5/13/2008 4:35:13 PM

+1 Boost

omfgwtfbbq lexus copying bmw and audi!!!1 haha god theres nothing better than fanboys. i love you guys! goto college and stop buying rims for your 325i and 328i!

flozel1 - 5/13/2008 6:57:34 PM

+1 Boost

Why is that stupid moron EL34 not making his usual stupid "monkey see, monkey do" idiotic comments?