I have some racing experience from go carts to dirt modifieds to track days with c5's and c6's. This is my first experience with paddle shifting automatics. Here's what's happening. Last week shifting from 1st to 2nd the rear end violently broke out to the right. I over corrected and it did the right,left,right thing. Luckily I gathered it in. Tonight, it did the same thing but not as bad. The traction control was on and in touring mode. I get the feeling I'm not shifting correctly. What I think I'm doing is being a little soft on the throttle in 1st and mashing it when I hit 2nd. This is somewhat embarrassing but what am I doing wrong? Is there a way of running diagnostics to see if it's mechanically ok?

 

Not only do you have traction control you have "stabilitrac" as well---Everyone knows that TC keeps the wheels from spinning---Stabilitrac is supposed to prevent exactly what your car is doing---Stop the car from pitching left or right on a hard launch---It does this by applying brake pressure to the side that is sliding so the car leaves straight
I would suspect you have a problem and would take it back under warranty
I have a 6 speed paddle shift and with the TC ON it never ever does anything stupid--
I have shifted my paddle shifter all sorts of ways --both correct and incorrect--but it never barks at me or pitches to one side---always straight with the TC on

 

I have the A8 in a Z51
No issues with paddle shifting like you are having but I do not apply heavy throttle at a 1 to 2 shift just when 2nd hits.
Are the tires warm?
Is the outside temp 40 or below?

 

Summer tires don't like cool temps. And if you have a tune on the car to reduce Tq. Management.

 

This is normal mine does the same with cool weather. Actually i have had that happen in second gear when punching the throttle.

 

Your problem is most likely related to some fairly well-documented(on this and other forums) issues with A8 shifting harshness and "hunting" for gears. Chevy has created at least one TSB(Technical Service Bulletin) on this problem and has reiterated the need(also specified in the Owner's Manual) to run the A8 through an "adaptive" driving process that is supposed to help the A8's computer "learn" how to shift properly.
Several members on this forum have posted that they had a GM-supplied software "upgrade" applied to their A8 C7 with positive results.

My own 2015 A8 Z51 has exhibited several instances of EXTREMELY harsh shifting to the extent that I thought that the transmission had seriously injured itself. However, the transmission still shifts mostly OK. There have also been instances when the transmission's computer seemed confused and could not decide whether to shift into first or into second and got "caught" between the two gears. That said, I plan to insist that my local dealer install the software upgrade. I say "insist" because my local dealer refused to apply the software upgrade when they were unable to duplicate the problems during test-driving.
Admittedly, these events are somewhat rare and inpredictable, but they can be very annoying.

I would strongly suggest that you search this part of the forum for threads having to do with A8 shifting problems. There is a real abundance of information here. I know that other Corvette forums also have information on A8 problems.

 

Thanks for all the responses. I'm convinced it is partially due to driver error. I'm new to automatics and effective paddle shifting. The outside temp was around 40. I'd accelerate normally through first and simultaneously shift and mash the gas. Today it was a little warmer out and realized if the car is floored from the get go it worked fine. What a rush.

 

Tire and road temps have a lot of impact on traction.

It's getting cooler here in MI and I've noticed a significant change in the response of the car when accelerating hard. I'm gonna have to take it easy from now until late May.