So this is then first car I have had that has had these, being a long time fan of manual transmissions I want to like using the paddles and have been trying to get used to using them. I am beginning to get straight which side for up and which side for down without having to think about it.

But IMHO 8 speeds is really too many for manual changing, but the real thing I don't get is why they made the paddles move with the steering wheel, this makes it virtually impossible to change while turning as it quickly becomes confusing where the right paddle is and difficult to get you fingers to it. At least if they stayed still you would know which was the right paddle without having to think about where it is.

Do all cars with flappy paddles have them turn with the wheel or do some have them fixed to the steers column?

 

You're not supposed to shift IN the turn. Shifting in a turn can upset the weight transfer or even worse lock up rear wheels and cause a spin. Ideally you should be the proper gear before the turn.

I also do realize that I at least read the ZF will hold a gear if the system knows you're in a turn...

 

I often if turning a corner, specially from stopped and accelerating in first gear want to grab second before the wheel has come back to straight.

 

Yup me too. I think the advuce not to shift in a curve is great if you are at the limits of adhesion. In that case a shift might upset the car's balance. If you have some traction reserves, of course a smooth shift is doable.

Even on a motorcycle.

Even in the rain.

Smoothly.

 

Agreed, especially the part about being in the appropriate gear JUST before/in the turn (that being said, I too have wanted to grab a quick shift, maybe once or twice, while in a turn; but that only took a millisecond to "figure" out which is which). I use the paddles 100% of the time - OK, 99.9 - and they quickly became second nature. While I too love a MT like many here, my experience with the automatic (using the paddles a la F1) is so brilliant that you can call me a convert. In a coupe.

 

The only cars that mount the paddles to the column are Ferrari and maybe Lamborghini?

I try to be in the correct gear before turning in but of I need to shift while the wheel is turned I usually just USSR the gear lever. It's not ideal but it's quick enough for the one gear change.

 

I know what you mean, but you can also use the shifter in sport mode. Once you have the steering angle dialed in, you simply reach for the shifter and give it a light pull it toward you for an upshift just as you did on a manual.

 

I agree about the 1 to 2 shift but soon solved that by never starting in 2nd gear unless on a hill - when in auto the car doesn't use a 1st gear start. Doing this gets rid of that need to find 2nd while having the wheel in a tight turn as you head off.

 

It's more common to have them on the steering wheel. Granted, you will rarely be at full lock and also shifting at the same time, but you will be partially turning and shifting quite a bit. It's been found it's more predictable to have them turn with the wheel and most race cars have the same (F1, GT as above, etc).

 

Hadn't thought of using the shifter in sports, that's a good idea, will try that.

 

I too shift in the turn and don't mind a bit of sliding but I'm old school. It took a a full day of practice to find the shifters but then I found the dynamic mode+sport was just as good so I relinquished control to the ECU and had fun! Rarely use the flappers any more

 

IMO you don't want the paddles to stay stationary on the steering column, you want them moving with your hands so you don't need to move your hands from 9-3 to shift (unless your doing a tight turn, in which case, I agree with the others - you should be pretty well downshifted already). I've occasionally been caught out in the wrong gear and do what's been suggested - use the center shifter to grab a lower gear.)

Stick at it - it becomes more and more natural, and rewarding.

 

To ensure world peace, I'm staying out of this discussion regarding shift points through the turn (the whole point of heel-and-toe shifting).

 

Also in the interest of world peace, I should also stay out of this, but all my track instructors taught heel/toe shifting happens in braking zone while preparing for the turn.

 

Perfect world scenario. May not work for you if 4 of you are entering the turn at the same time.

 

In that case, paddles would be very handy.

 

right back at ya.

 

Using shifter makes you feel like using a stick, old memories take over! But old knees don't suffer!

 

Braking while downshifting - fine. Subsequently changing gear before the apex - very, very BAD.

Unless you sell or repair cars.

 

I mostly want to change up after turning a slow corner and nailing it but before the wheel has come back to straight but the engine is screaming in a low gear.