Sequential Paddle Shift
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2006
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From: JawJa
Sequential Paddle Shift
I suppose the C6's won't have a true sequential paddle shift A6, like the ones found in the new Audi R8's and other more $$$$ exotics, as well as Formula 1's. Heard that it really snaps and feels like a true manual. Guess there's no hesitation with those! Completely different animal.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2001
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From: Short Hills, NJ
As mentioned above I know the BMW SMG system can be quite jerky and rough in operation, I would assume that the Ferrari and Lamborghini systems lack some smoothness (and reliability LOL) as well.
All things considered, the Corvette's (very smooth yet still quick) 6 speed auto is a great set up.
Team Owner
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From: When all is said and done... there is a hell of a lot more said than done. Riverside,Texas
St. Jude Donor '05 thru '26
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: NorCal
Suppose if we take different things from different cars and compare them there are differences. I prefer to look at the whole package and pound for pound, dollar for dollar, there is no car that can compare to our Corvettes. 
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2006
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From: Cary North Carolina
I suppose the C6's won't have a true sequential paddle shift A6, like the ones found in the new Audi R8's and other more $$$$ exotics, as well as Formula 1's. Heard that it really snaps and feels like a true manual. Guess there's no hesitation with those! Completely different animal.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2005
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From: Kansas
St. Jude Donor '07
I had an SMG in the new v-10 BMW M5. There is a HUGE difference between the C6 paddle shift and a true SMG.
The SMG is a MANUAL transmission with a pressure plate and clutch that is operated for you when you change gears with the paddles.
The C6 is an AUTOMATIC transmission with a fluid torque converter where you are just using paddles to run through the gears. You could do basically the same thing with the shift lever on any automatic.
Two COMPLETELY different transmissions.
I didn't care for it that much. I'd rather operate the clutch myself, I can get smoother shifts that way. I will say that the shifts are FAST, much faster than most humans can do it and certainly more consistent. For racing, an SMG would be very appealing, for the street, getting smooth shifts was tricky.
The SMG is a MANUAL transmission with a pressure plate and clutch that is operated for you when you change gears with the paddles.
The C6 is an AUTOMATIC transmission with a fluid torque converter where you are just using paddles to run through the gears. You could do basically the same thing with the shift lever on any automatic.
Two COMPLETELY different transmissions.
I didn't care for it that much. I'd rather operate the clutch myself, I can get smoother shifts that way. I will say that the shifts are FAST, much faster than most humans can do it and certainly more consistent. For racing, an SMG would be very appealing, for the street, getting smooth shifts was tricky.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Raleigh / Rolesville NC
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Bergen County NEW JERSEY
I'm a 6speed guy, didn't care for the vette paddelshifters, or BMW's SMG. However, I've driven both the Ferrari F430 and the Lambo Gallardo.
The F430 F1 trans is sweet. In Race Mode you can upshift and downshift multiple gears as fast as you can pull the paddles. I would seriously consider this trans if I could afford an F430.
The Gallardo's e-gear (paddle shifter) sucks. High RPM shifts are quick but brutal. Shifting around town at low rpm's is just awful. Jerky as hell and lots of driveline backlash. It will make you want to pull over and drive something else. My local Lambo deals says over 80% of his sales are the e-gear.
The F430 F1 trans is sweet. In Race Mode you can upshift and downshift multiple gears as fast as you can pull the paddles. I would seriously consider this trans if I could afford an F430.
The Gallardo's e-gear (paddle shifter) sucks. High RPM shifts are quick but brutal. Shifting around town at low rpm's is just awful. Jerky as hell and lots of driveline backlash. It will make you want to pull over and drive something else. My local Lambo deals says over 80% of his sales are the e-gear.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,324
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From: MN
I've got a C6 with the paddles, and I've raced the F430 - they are totally different beasts. The F430's SMG is pure genius. Shifts as fast as you can think to do it. Downshifts just a quickly, with that beauitful growl from the exhaust blip as the RPM's match up. Quite a machine. Everyone should try it. BUT - it is not meant to be a GT car, really. It is not meant for long distance cruising. It is not meant to be as easy to operate at the C6's tranny. True, the F430 does shift a little faster and a little more aggressively, but it is also 5x the price of a C6. Does the 5-10% better performance (and that is about what it is) justify that expense? Are you really going to be a hardcore racer in your C6? If you were, you'd order a base model and buy the racing upgrades you needed ala carte. Is anyone really seriously racing their F430? I doubt it. For the money (and, in many ways, regardless of money), the C6 is the best supercar in the world. Period.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,158
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From: Henderson Nevada
As others have said, we're talking different animals here, but I think that was the question. Will GM ever do a real SMG, not just an automatic with paddles? The Audi gearbox is much nicer than the BMW implementation, because it uses a dual clutch mechanism that pre-engages the next gear up or down (predicted by how you're driving). It tends to be quicker and smoother than other implementations. However, when it guesses wrong, it suffers from lag and loss of smoothness, too.
Doing one for a high torque engine at reasonable cost is not likely for the next several years, but I wouldn't say 'never'. Until both the cost and torque capacity issues are met, it won't happen in the 'Vette.
Doing one for a high torque engine at reasonable cost is not likely for the next several years, but I wouldn't say 'never'. Until both the cost and torque capacity issues are met, it won't happen in the 'Vette.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2006
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From: Cheektowaga NY
St. Jude Donor '08
There is still at least some hesitation but otherwise I think they do shift pretty quickly.
As mentioned above I know the BMW SMG system can be quite jerky and rough in operation, I would assume that the Ferrari and Lamborghini systems lack some smoothness (and reliability LOL) as well.
All things considered, the Corvette's (very smooth yet still quick) 6 speed auto is a great set up.
As mentioned above I know the BMW SMG system can be quite jerky and rough in operation, I would assume that the Ferrari and Lamborghini systems lack some smoothness (and reliability LOL) as well.
All things considered, the Corvette's (very smooth yet still quick) 6 speed auto is a great set up.
I feel that it to shifts pretty quick. I have no complaints.
