The paddle shifters of the F-Type can be a lot of fun. Not in racing, but around town. Most track tests have shown that, with modern 7-8-9 speed automatics, using them as automatics will beat the track times of manually shifting with the paddles.

HOWEVAH, using the paddles of the F-Type can result in much more great snap, crackle, and pop when driving in city traffic. When I want to show off, I use them to keep the rpm at least 3000 which results in lots of fun sounds to impress the hoi poloi on the street. Driving this way, gas mileage sucks but the fun factor is much higher.

 

Yep to all. Welcome!

 

Oh, so it's not just me that does it!

 

True but shifting the lever into sport has a similar effect.

 

Yeah, but not nearly as much as manually keeping the rpm above 3000. Manual down-shifting really enhances the effect.

 

You're absolutely right!

 

I have to say I think Jaguar absolutely nailed it with the transmission programming. It really does remind me of the Porsche PDK in that it has an innate ability to always instinctively know which gear to be in when driving aggressively. If you are really on it, it responds accordingly and it's surprisingly brutal when downshifting under aggressive braking. It's absolutely phenomenal. Interestingly, both the Jaguar and Porsche transmissions are manufactured by ZF.

I agree that paddle shifting is a ton of fun and I normally do drive manually, but kudos to Jaguar for doing such a tremendous job with the transmission programming in sport mode.

 

Yep. The paddles are great for aural fun, but the transmission is better at auto-shifting when in competitive conditions.

 

I love using the paddles shifters and utilize them 99.9% of the time.

If it's [paddle shifting] good enough for F1 drivers it's good enough for me. (And not rehashing the same recurring discussion here, yes I too love a manual. Just don't need one on my F-Type)

 

I gave up my manual when I went to the F-type. I don't miss it. The transmission is so good in the F-type. I actually find using the paddles more fun in the canyons as well. Maybe I'll have a 2nd fun vehicle with a stick someday but for daily drivers I think I'll stick with paddles now.

Agree on all of the above about the extra sound you get.

 

I mostly shift in sport and dynamic mode with the stick.

Old Skool Style.

 

Although I would prefer a traditional manual. This car has the best automatic I have ever driven. My lap times were about a second quicker per lap letting the computer do the work. However, that said around town I love downshifting manually


MC

2015 Jaguar F-Type R Coupe
1996 Acura NSX
1995 Mazda Miata

 

I fitted the alloy paddles (£160 off eBay). Have yet to try using the stick...

 

Agreed, as much as I love manuals, I never use the stick in this car, and I almost exclusively drive it with the paddles in dynamic mode.