What exactly is R-Tronic Transmission?

Question

In the new audi r8. I know very little about cars so please simplify. To my understanding it's a "semi-automatic" so does this mean there's no clutch? Explain :O

Answer 1

Semi automatic means there is no clutch.

It means you can choose when the automatic transmission switches gear. This does not make it as fast or as fun as a manual car.

So you can make it switch gears earlier or later.

Answer 2

Ricardo six-speed sequential transmission with an electro–pneumatic gear change. That means it has a computer-controlled clutch that allows the driver to make gear changes without touching the clutch pedal. These gear changes can be done by the computer far quicker than even the fastest human being with a conventional manual transmission.