Automatic Paddle Shift comments
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 14,984
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From: CT
Automatic Paddle Shift comments
I'm sure this has been covered before, but I'd like to get the most recent comments the Paddle Shift automatic on the C-6. I'm looking to buy a new 2008 and am considering this option. How much different is it from a regular autonmatic, and more important, is there a noticeable drop in RPM between each shift.
Drifting
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,407
Likes: 0
From: Canton/Detroit Michigan
I have an 07. The paddle shift is nice in that it allows me to pick my gear and hold it there without worrying about a 2 or 3 gear drop when I stomp on it. I definitely think it's nice to have if you prefer an automatic. I usually like third gear for around town when I like to feel a lot of torque without having to mash the pedal to force a gear drop as would be needed while driving in 'D'.
The 08 would be even better, with the rev matching and quicker shifts. But my main point is that I like the flexibility of picking which gear I want the car in at certain times if I want to drive that way.
The 08 would be even better, with the rev matching and quicker shifts. But my main point is that I like the flexibility of picking which gear I want the car in at certain times if I want to drive that way.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,269
Likes: 4
From: Mililani HI
I have an 06 which is actually sub par to the 08 updated version of the A6. The computer now blips the throttle on downshifts which will match rpms, much like the BMW Sequential Manual Trans and the Ferrari F1 trans.
I personally love my A6 trans and I do use the paddles about 95% of the time. When in heavy traffic I have the option of going back to full automatic.
The trans will take some time in getting used to as there is a slight delay in the shifting. But once you understand the trans and how it shifts you wil have fun with it.
I personally love my A6 trans and I do use the paddles about 95% of the time. When in heavy traffic I have the option of going back to full automatic.
The trans will take some time in getting used to as there is a slight delay in the shifting. But once you understand the trans and how it shifts you wil have fun with it.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 5,040
Likes: 416
From: hardyston new jersey
St. Jude Donor '09-'25
I'm sure this has been covered before, but I'd like to get the most recent comments the Paddle Shift automatic on the C-6. I'm looking to buy a new 2008 and am considering this option. How much different is it from a regular autonmatic, and more important, is there a noticeable drop in RPM between each shift.
If you are thinking it will replace the stick, it does not.
Good luck.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 6,410
Likes: 2
From: GTA, ON , Retired,,
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
have an 08 and can only compare it to an 05,and that is not a fair comparison.But I will say it is a lot of fun while driving hard,although I cannot seem to get the push for down,pull for up,or whatever,straight,
The matching revs thing is very nice,in my A4 you would surge ahead if you dropped it down,not so now,very smooth downshifts.
The matching revs thing is very nice,in my A4 you would surge ahead if you dropped it down,not so now,very smooth downshifts.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 3,488
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Some complain that the upshift in the A6 with paddle shift mode is a bit delayed. I haven't found that, and use them most often [ Daily Driver]. I actually find mine responsive, but it could be that I have gotten used to very slight upshift delay over time so I am conditioned to anticipate it.
Interestingly enough when I want to get true immediate power I use the paddles to downshift into a lower gear ratio, and we'll the car is a beast.
Particularly in the 08 model year they adressed this issue and supossedly it has been improved I can't speak to it myself, having an 07. The limitmus test go test drive a SLK 55 AMG auto with paddles, and then the vette.... you'll feel the difference.
Interestingly enough when I want to get true immediate power I use the paddles to downshift into a lower gear ratio, and we'll the car is a beast.
Particularly in the 08 model year they adressed this issue and supossedly it has been improved I can't speak to it myself, having an 07. The limitmus test go test drive a SLK 55 AMG auto with paddles, and then the vette.... you'll feel the difference.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 465
Likes: 0
It's very useful when you just NEED to be in a particular gear and stay in it for awhile. I also use it for down shifting to slow the car without brakes. Otherwise I just let it shift when it wants to do so. It's a great transmission when left alone to do its own thing.
It is somewhat slow on the up shift in manual mode - yes. For best acceleration just use Sport mode and let it shift for itself.
It is somewhat slow on the up shift in manual mode - yes. For best acceleration just use Sport mode and let it shift for itself.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,216
Likes: 4
From: ---Phoenix, AZ --- Boiler Up, Hammer Down!
I love the paddles! I have an 06 that responded slowly to up/down shifts with the paddles until I got a Chuck CoW tune! Yes, it may void your warranty but I am VERY happy with the throttle blip when downshifting and the upshifts are very fast! Also, when I slow to 8mph the car downshift in paddle mode to 1st gear instead of stopping in 2nd 
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Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 4,732
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From: Monument CO
It's very useful when you just NEED to be in a particular gear and stay in it for awhile. I also use it for down shifting to slow the car without brakes. Otherwise I just let it shift when it wants to do so. It's a great transmission when left alone to do its own thing.
It is somewhat slow on the up shift in manual mode - yes. For best acceleration just use Sport mode and let it shift for itself.
It is somewhat slow on the up shift in manual mode - yes. For best acceleration just use Sport mode and let it shift for itself.
A6/2.73 axle
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 14,984
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From: CT
Is it a delay, or is it a bog before it picks up. I test drove a Lambrigini Quatrro whatever and the rpms must have dropped 1,500 on each shift. I thought it was quite annoying especially for a $120m car. A little lag is ok, but I don't want a bog. My C-5 is a 6-speed and it's not that I don't like shifting, it's just that my wife doesn't drive standard and, if ever necessary, she could drive an auto C-6.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,567
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From: Clovis, Ca.
I always drive my 08 in the Sport Mode and use the paddle shifters. The shifting is very responsive, both up and down. Along with the NPP dual mode exhaust option and Ed's Mild 2 Wild unit, it is the only way to go, IMHO.
Gene...
Gene...
Pro
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 589
Likes: 3
From: Pacifica Ca
I used the paddles for the first time in a "spirited" drive in the mountains. VERY useful. I couldn't see myself not using them on the track.
But for everyday driving D is what's on order.
I have an 07.
Raf
But for everyday driving D is what's on order.
I have an 07.
Raf
Pro
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 679
Likes: 11
From: Ames IA
Maybe it's driving an M6 V everyday, but I don't get the paddles. I've tried it a few times and I just don't get it. Might be cool to drive in a lower gear, but that's about it. It's not a replacement for a manual in anyway. With all that said I wouldn't switch my A6 for an M6. I drive it like an auto and love it.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 10,399
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From: Austin Texas
'08 A6 here. Excellent trans, very smooth shifts under light acceleration in "D", yet fast solid shifts at redline in "S". To me the paddles are a gimmick, they are nearly impossible to use when you are turning the wheel and it's hard to time the upshift near redline, you'll end up bouncing off the rev limiter.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 20,352
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From: Ventura County, Calif
Is it a delay, or is it a bog before it picks up. I test drove a Lambrigini Quatrro whatever and the rpms must have dropped 1,500 on each shift. I thought it was quite annoying especially for a $120m car. A little lag is ok, but I don't want a bog. My C-5 is a 6-speed and it's not that I don't like shifting, it's just that my wife doesn't drive standard and, if ever necessary, she could drive an auto C-6.
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
I have had a 98 6M, 01 6M, 05 6M and a 08 6A.
I like the 08 in sport mode as an auto shift. Quick up shifts and I down shift with the paddles just like a manual.
I just don't like the start in 2nd unless you down shift to first when in Sport because then you need to paddle shift up. It seems to be faster in Sport it you let the trans shift rather than trying to manual up shift.
Once you start paddle shifting the trasns makes you do the up shifts. but will make the down shifts if you reduce speed.
Once the I want the trans to do the shifting I just go to D and then back to sport.
So most of time I drive in Sport.
I have Corsa Sport tubes and touring muffler so it makes a neat noise when down shifting and/or accelerating from 1st tio 2nd.
I like the 08 in sport mode as an auto shift. Quick up shifts and I down shift with the paddles just like a manual.
I just don't like the start in 2nd unless you down shift to first when in Sport because then you need to paddle shift up. It seems to be faster in Sport it you let the trans shift rather than trying to manual up shift.
Once you start paddle shifting the trasns makes you do the up shifts. but will make the down shifts if you reduce speed.
Once the I want the trans to do the shifting I just go to D and then back to sport.
So most of time I drive in Sport.
I have Corsa Sport tubes and touring muffler so it makes a neat noise when down shifting and/or accelerating from 1st tio 2nd.
Night Race Blue 427
Joined: Feb 1999
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From: Muncie, Indiana ...... Can I buy an amplifier on time ... I ani't got no money now but I'll pay you before I die
Is it a delay, or is it a bog before it picks up. I test drove a Lambrigini Quatrro whatever and the rpms must have dropped 1,500 on each shift. I thought it was quite annoying especially for a $120m car. A little lag is ok, but I don't want a bog. My C-5 is a 6-speed and it's not that I don't like shifting, it's just that my wife doesn't drive standard and, if ever necessary, she could drive an auto C-6.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 31,088
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St. Jude Donor '08 thru '13
Once the nut behind the wheel got adjusted properly to the paddles, the A6 is great. There was definitely a learning curve.
A strange set of circumstances landed this manual-junkie driver in an A6, but now that I've become accustomed to it, I think I actually prefer the auto over a manual. I do encounter traffic sometimes, and other times I'm just a bit lazy, and D is a nice option to have.
As for performance, I truly feel I can get everything out of the auto that I could with a manual, now that I've got the learning curve behind me.
A strange set of circumstances landed this manual-junkie driver in an A6, but now that I've become accustomed to it, I think I actually prefer the auto over a manual. I do encounter traffic sometimes, and other times I'm just a bit lazy, and D is a nice option to have.
As for performance, I truly feel I can get everything out of the auto that I could with a manual, now that I've got the learning curve behind me.