capeS4Cab

As I was attempting to pull out into heavy two way traffic, I revved the engine higher than normal(perhaps 3000 rpms)expecting the quattro to hook up and launch me into the traffic stream. Instead, the clutch began slipping accompanied by that distinctive burning clutch smell. Was I surprised! Has anyone experienced this in such a new vehicle?

BRG

... when I'm 'over-exuberant' with the gas. I've got maybe 4000 km on mine and I've slipped the clutch twice when trying to get a quick launch from a stop on a bit of an incline. The pedal goes all wonky and then the smell hits.

So far no problems if I let it hook up before mashing the gas. Hopefully there's no permanent damage if it's an infrequent event.

woofpup

Quattro can make life for a clutch very difficult. Because you're driving all four wheels (giving a lot more traction with the road), the clutch takes the brunt of abuse like that instead of the wheels, like in a FWD/RWD drive car.

So, when you have the RPMs high like that and let off the clutch, something has to give to make up for the difference between the engine going fast in first gear and the wheels being stopped: your clutch. It's not because it's already worn (though that launch attempt didn't help!), it's just because it couldn't handle those amounts of opposing forces.

autochicago

Do a search on "clutch" ... the 1.8T clutch does not have a pristine record