C7 paddle shifting tips and tricks
11-23-2016, 12:59 PM
#23
Burning Brakes
I've gotten used to knowing 90% of the time the up+ paddle is on the left when turning the wheel for a right turn, and visa versa for left turn.
I then just hit the up+ paddle even though it's on the opposite side with the wheel turned.
On another note, this is why I wish GM left the paddle operation like they were on the C6.
Could use either paddle to shift up or down when the wheel is turned.
Would be nice if the paddle operation was programmable for the C7
I then just hit the up+ paddle even though it's on the opposite side with the wheel turned.
On another note, this is why I wish GM left the paddle operation like they were on the C6.
Could use either paddle to shift up or down when the wheel is turned.
Would be nice if the paddle operation was programmable for the C7
11-23-2016, 01:14 PM
#24
Pro
Besides my C7 coupe, I also have an 06 Miata with the automatic and paddle shifters. Really love it! What it has (and I wish the C7 also incorporated) is the ability to use the actual shift lever on the console for up and down shifts. Much like using a true stick shift without the need for a clutch. It's spring loaded to a central position, and for each up shift I simply give a quick rearward flip or bump of the wrist, and to downshift do the same in a forward motion. I seldom actually use the paddles on the steering wheel. Just seems more natural to me; one hand on the wheel and the other resting at the base of the shifter. Also much quicker than I could ever shift using a clutch.
11-23-2016, 02:55 PM
#27
11-23-2016, 03:03 PM
#28
Pro
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11-23-2016, 03:04 PM
#29
Safety Car
The closest I can think of would be to just pull fuse 42 (C7 '15 and '16) and set the exhaust to Track. Then paddle shift to keep the AFM off-line (or add the Range AFM disabler). Not a bad way to go, and free to try! Like the aural feedback to remind me to shift too.
11-23-2016, 03:33 PM
#30
Already have the fuse pulled. Maybe the Camaro having stock tri-Y headers has something to do with this? Or maybe a muffler delete will give me those sounds?
I haven't noticed any difference between track and sport as far as exhaust goes.
I haven't noticed any difference between track and sport as far as exhaust goes.
11-23-2016, 03:46 PM
#31
Safety Car
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Meraki, no not at all. Manual is the preferred mode to use on the track, to keep from overheating the transmission. Use M mode all you want.
Back to topic:
When downshifting using the paddle shifters while in Drive, the transmission goes back to auto after about 5-6 seconds if your just cruising. If you start driving aggressively as you downshift, the tranny will stay in the gear you shifted to for a much longer period of time. For how long I'm not sure. It made for some interesting twisties when I found out about it.
Back to topic:
When downshifting using the paddle shifters while in Drive, the transmission goes back to auto after about 5-6 seconds if your just cruising. If you start driving aggressively as you downshift, the tranny will stay in the gear you shifted to for a much longer period of time. For how long I'm not sure. It made for some interesting twisties when I found out about it.
....I get out of that gear by upshifting manually...
11-23-2016, 03:49 PM
#32
Safety Car
When at a stop and I'm not trying to impress anyone, I just shift to 2nd before I take off. Eliminates the quick 1-2 shift, especially on a corner turn. The C6 models automatically started in 2nd from start, and you had to downshift to 1st if you wanted to start in 1st. I wish they had this on the C7. I find 80% of the time, I start in 2nd.
11-23-2016, 05:47 PM
#36
Hmmm...I've had no problem getting the crackling in ECO even when my exhaust was stock (NPP). Now that I've added long tube headers, I get even more crackling even in ECO mode.
11-23-2016, 06:59 PM
#37
Safety Car
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Besides my C7 coupe, I also have an 06 Miata with the automatic and paddle shifters. Really love it! What it has (and I wish the C7 also incorporated) is the ability to use the actual shift lever on the console for up and down shifts. Much like using a true stick shift without the need for a clutch. It's spring loaded to a central position, and for each up shift I simply give a quick rearward flip or bump of the wrist, and to downshift do the same in a forward motion. I seldom actually use the paddles on the steering wheel. Just seems more natural to me; one hand on the wheel and the other resting at the base of the shifter. Also much quicker than I could ever shift using a clutch.
we have that on our Mini Cooper and would be a nice addition to the A8 
11-24-2016, 08:31 AM
#39
Race Director
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11-24-2016, 08:57 AM
#40
On the column for paddles is a better design, they are always in the same place regardless of wheel position, with the paddles located on the wheel and driving on a tight road course the paddles can easily get into positions making shifting difficult or even confusing, IMHO.
Coming from a SCT in my R8, which shifted quickly but not as fast as the DCT on my wife's Porsche, the paddle shifting on my Z06 is sluggish. The transmission in auto mode shifts really quickly and extremely well when you leave it alone.
TIP - If you want the car to hold shifts better and shift more agressively just tap the throttle to the floor for a instant (very quickly just tap it to the floor) and the A8 will enter Performance Shift Mode and the transmission will shift much more aggressively on it's own.
Coming from a SCT in my R8, which shifted quickly but not as fast as the DCT on my wife's Porsche, the paddle shifting on my Z06 is sluggish. The transmission in auto mode shifts really quickly and extremely well when you leave it alone.
TIP - If you want the car to hold shifts better and shift more agressively just tap the throttle to the floor for a instant (very quickly just tap it to the floor) and the A8 will enter Performance Shift Mode and the transmission will shift much more aggressively on it's own.
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