blackedgs

I have driven a manual car back in college however I have never used paddle shifters on a car. I would like to explore this on my grand sport. Any suggestions or advice on using paddle shifters most of the time. Will the car not allow me to do anything detrimental if I miss an up shift or downshift? Just wanted some advice from people who are using paddle shifters frequently. Thanks in advance.

rckt

When I first used the paddles, I got confused bc they work differently than the C6. What if you only had 1 arm (you would be stuck on downshift or upshift)? I have used them on occasion but prefer using the Range device to keep me in V8 mode.

cdnrx1

Using the paddle shifters is easy but takes a little getting used to initially. After you've used them for a few days it becomes second nature, just like shifting with a MT.

The car's systems will not allow you to over-rev the engine and will deny shifts that are to high or to low in the rev range. The car will also downshift for you, if you want, but I like the additional engine braking and use it as a matter of course. Shifts are marginally faster and more positive in Sport and Track modes but I do not use Track on the street, MRC is too stiff. Try the different driving modes, pick the one that shifts best for you.

Paddle shifting, for me, is the bet way to drive this car. It provides for a great driving experience with the option of full auto for the wife, with the Range device installed of course.

JDSKY

Just get the Range to eliminate the V4 mode and then shift any which way that floats your boat....

Waterdogg

I use my Paddles 99% - 1% when leaving our subdivision early in the morning.

vader86

Not often, most of my driving is in traffic.

N2TU

Yep!...almost always!

fsvoboda

I would bet this describes 95% of auto owners.

Want to shift? Get a manual would be my advice.

thrilled

I’ve been hearing it shifts quicker leaving it in automatic.If I had an A8 that’s what i’d do.Myself I have an M7.

CP

What do you think is the loss in MPG using paddles?

JonMN

Little by little I ended up 100% in Manual. If coming to a stop I would let it downshift, but for curves I would downshift. One of the main reasons was simply to keep RPMs closer to 2K--I really liked the feel of the car at 2K. My only track experience was Spring Mountain, but at WOT the paddles are even better.

Steve_R

Who cares?

I’ve owned my 14 vert with A6 for over 5 years. It’s my daily driver. It’s never been in D. I use the paddles exclusively.

tnfan

This!

Rsharpatx

I pretty much only use the paddles to enjoy the snap crackle and pops or if some one wants to tailgate me in traffic i love making foxy sing. As for on Track (mainly autocross) or even a twisty road. Throw it in track give the accelerating a quick pop and you are in performance shift mode and personally the are shifts perfect and you are always, always, always in that sweet RPM range.

While i was at Ron Fellows 2 weeks ago i specifically asked them, which is actually be faster to allow the car to use performance shift mode or manual mode. The instructor said absolutely you could turn faster laps in performance shift mode especially being new to the track, he said the problem is its so hot out here that by 3rd or 4th lap the cars would over heat if using the performance shift mode so manual mode it is. I did take it out for 1 session and let it go into performance shift mode and by the end of the second lap i was pushing it temp wise and switch to manual mode and it within half of the third lap temps where falling in line with where they should be.

I was slightly disappointed that the car would overheat so fast but it was June in Las Vegas and it was 90+ during the track sessions.

My take away - doing autocross since it its a short burst - let performance shift mode do its thing.... If i am going to be doing 20-30 track sessions manual mode it is.

Patman

I tested it out once on a two way highway trip on the same road and I got 2 MPG less using the paddles vs letting it go into V4 mode on the highway. I see no problem with letting it do that on the highway, if I'm just cruising at a steady speed I'll grab that extra MPG thank you very much. The instant I need more power to pass someone it'll kick out of V4 mode and drop a couple of gears in order to make the pass.

LimeRock

Same as my Dodge Magnum DD I use them when I am playing around or when i want it to up shift.
Yes the Dodge has paddles.

bbrown450

98%.... 3rd C7....DD also got the Soler TB cleared up some surging...

edweiler

I have finally after a over a year of ownership started using mine and am using them more and more as they make the driving experience better. The day I drove my C-7 home from the dealership, I hit the downshift paddle by mistake in an off ramp curve and the car went into the lowest gear possible and revved up really high and I got pretty confused as to what to do or even what had happened! LOL! After recovering from my mistaken move safely..I felt so stupid! Oh well... live and learn...the paddle shifters now are in use quite a bit as I have gained confidence in myself. I do not have a range device...and have had the newest tranny flush done...scared about voiding my warranty too. I do not use the manual mode simply to avoid the 4-8 cylinder thing...hope this helps...My dealership was very good about the shudder thing and for me it didn't become a huge issue with any consequential damages...its now completely gone...and if I start to feel it again, it will be repaired again by my dealer at no cost...

pnsnkr

I do pretty much all the time during my commute. The 'D' mode really sucks in cruise control on the roads here in the hill country. Sure, you can tap the down-shift paddle but it doesn't stay long enough. I also have the Range device for driving in 'D' mode on the flat parts of TX highways

Donnie Pizza

Almost always, as I really don't care about mpg or 'babying' my C6. As far as leaving it D to do performance driving, it performs better with manual shifting. Anyone know if the C7 paddles can be fitted to the C6?