But why does Audi need a new type of transmission? Don't they already have a slick auto shifter in the Tiptronic? Yes the Tip is a good automatic, but the performance figures speak for themselves. While I don't have the figures for the 3.0-L engine, when equipped to the A4 sedan in 1.8-L guise the Multitronic is 1.3 seconds quicker than Audi's manual mode automatic and 0.1 second faster than the manual gearbox in 0-100 km/h tests. What's more, fuel economy improves by 0.94 km/L (2.2 mpg) over the automatic and 0.21 km/L (0.5 mpg) better than the standard. Audi's Multitronic CVT was awarded "Best New Technology" by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) at their 2001 annual Car of the Year test-fest. Just from my seat of the pants experience I'd say it's safe to expect similar performance, as well as fuel economy improvements in the 3.0-L equipped A4 Cab, compared to Tiptronic and 6-speed variants if either were offered in the convertible model - and they are currently not.
You can't get the Cab with the 1.8-L 4-cylinder turbo engine either. The standard 3.0-L V6 produces 220-hp and 221 lb-ft of torque, exactly as it does in the A4 sedan, which is more than enough power to get it under way quickly despite the convertible's considerable 1,730 kg (3,814 lb) curb weight. Actually acceleration is exhilarating, albeit a little strange. Strange? This is due to the Multitronic transmission's ability to maintain the engine's 6,300 rpm sweet spot all the way to 100 km/h with out shifting at all. This feat happens in just 7.5 seconds - the Cab goes on to a 209 km/h (130 mph) rev limited top speed. If you feel inclined Audi has incorporated six forward speeds of Tiptronic-style shifting, available from the shift lever or steering wheel buttons. While a waste of effort during straight line testing the system proved advantageous for holding gears during handling maneuvers.