felkebg

I have a 2015 Z51 with an A8 that has seen the track only once. Every so often I engage manual shifting while leaving it in drive and sometimes I go to manual and shift like I have done for all but one other vehicle I owned in the last 40 years. I have read and understand everything the manual says about paddle shifting.

I have read in several threads that some of you never use anything but the paddles and I wanted to open this thread for you to post any paddle tips and tricks you have learned. So far here is what I am noticing:

1. Using sound or the tach reading has me shifting around 2 k and running around 1.5 k in neighborhoods and city streets.

2. Braking along with downshifting is producing glorious burbling noises that I hope do not have any downsides in an A8 if over-revving is not allowed.

3. Shift denied messages are telling me when I am trying to get to a too high gear or too low gear and the more I paddle shift the less I run into them.

4. My paddles have a slight delay when shifting that surprises me compared to the way my son's GTR is shifting by paddles. I think he has a dual clutch transmission and we do not.

5. I used my auto mode on the track days I did and never felt I had a miss-shift. I have heard you typically only need 3 gears on most corners.

Please share any ahh hah moments you have had while learning your paddle operation and provide any ground rules you use with your paddle shifting that you learned beyond what the manual dictates. Thanks.

JonMN

Good idea for a thread! I had my one season so far with the A8, after having an Audi DCT. The DCT is perhaps quicker, but I am really learning to like the A8.
1. The first thing most will agree on is that shifting at WOT is fast and fun. Nice sound component too. But not so practical around town . . .
2. I am going M more and more as I start to like it. My DCT shifted fast all the time. The A8 is taking just a little learning on my part.
3. For me the slowest shift is 1-2. At first I was revving to 3000 and then letting off throttle to shift (kind of a throwback to my manual days I guess). When I started shifting 1-2 earlier but while on the throttle the shifts got way quicker.
3. I think shifts after the 1-2 shift are acceptably quick.
4. When going to a stop I usually let it downshift on it's own. But when I manually downshift, remember to do the 3-2-1 a little lower in RPM than you might expect.
5. Other than the 1-2 shift, I do most of the rest at 2-3K. But cruise around at a little under 2K.

Looking forward to other replies too. But will have to wait to April to try them out

ExRedRacer

Great thread.

I've had my Vette just over 3 months and have yet to use the paddles very much. I've just been enjoying driving it in D mostly while getting accustomed to the joy of driving a C7.

I'm going up to see my grandson tomorrow...it's Grandparent's Day at his pre-school 90 miles away. He's my little car buddy, loves the Vette, and can't wait for his poppa to take him home in it. Think I'll use the paddles on the way there and back to get used to them.

Thanks for all the tips provided so far.

MerakiAutoworks

The blurble is the reason I have to use paddles!

-Josh

Dif

If there's one thing I've learned using the paddles is that the A8 really likes the the RPM's better at 3000 or more.
Shifts quick and smooth the higher the RPM.
As mentioned it's not always something to do just cruising around town.
But it then helps not letting off the throttle when shifting.
Just keep the throttle steady for the driving conditions and hit the paddle for the next shift, up or down.
Just my 2 cents

MerakiAutoworks

Do you think its harmful to be constantly driving in M mode all the time? (When car is fully warmed up)

-Josh

L8ter

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.

OzarkCorvetteGuy

I have a question. I have very little experience with the paddle shifters. One thing I have noticed is that driving in D if I want to really get it I can tap the - and downshift and never leave D and then go thru the gears. Is this a problem or designed to be shifted in this way?

felkebg

I can answer this one. The manual informs us that this is one accepted way of operating for a few shifts if that is all you want to do but if you don't continue shifting manually it replaces the gear indicator display with the D after 5-6 seconds of not using the paddles. I enjoy experimenting in this way and do it all the time.

KemahGT

Not a problem. It's made to let you do that. The controller is not gonna let you do something that is harmful. That's why you get "shift denied" messages when you try to select 8 when going 45mph or 1st at the same speed.

The video that I have seen of the 10 speed in the ZL1 Camaro looks like it will shift as fast as, if not faster than a DCT. I sure hope they stuff it in the Corvette. If they do, mine will be for sale!

For all of you A haters out there, just remember, the Koenigsegg Regera has a torque converter and doesn't even need a transmission!

sunsalem

My Z06 A8 does the same thing.
No need to worry...just a characteristic of the A8.


Also, the paddle shift delay is normal, but can be lessened considerably if the car is used in an aggressive manner in Sport or Track modes.
In fact, it shifts darn quick.


And I also agree paddleshifting is a lot of fun as the driver gets accustomed to it.

JonMN

OK, here's one for you--applies to A8 or DCT: How do you handle right turn from stop? If I shift after straightening out, my revs can be rather high--but trying to keep track of the + paddle while making a right turn from a stop is a challenge. So far the best approach I can think of is just to shift way early in this case. Any other ideas?

Of course this does not come up on the track, but it does around town.

PS: Just replaced my black paddles with red. Fun tweak!

felkebg

Another wrinkle for discussion. We have our C7 paddles tied to the steering wheel while other makers tie them to the column. Under what conditions have you found one to be an advantage over the other?

l.i. bruce fan

Probably well known, but here goes: if you hold the - lever in while downshifting, it will rev match and downshift to the lowest possible gear. Makes for some "interesting" deceleration (and sure got the attention of some pedestrians nearby).

Myfourth1

I use my paddles 100% of the time.

Dif

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

Borntorun04/17

Love this thread will be ordering A8 .Learning a lot about paddles. I learn something new every time on forum. Thanks Dave

joemessman

When you downshift with the paddle when you are in D going down hill, It will hold that gear until you flatten out. Won't go back to D in the 6 seconds.

sunsalem

I haven't noticed a particular situation where this would be a problem.
The thumb-grips on the steering wheel make it easy to find by touch.


It's also possible the LT1 and LT4's power differences make for differing shift points or trans. programming.
For example, making a sharp 90 degree right-hand turn and jumping on it in a Z before the Stability Track, etc. gets set can end in some unanticipated off-roading.

Much prefer them on the wheel.
I want to know at ALL times where the paddles are.
I don't think I would have a car that had 'em on the column.

Tony1leo

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.