Paddle shifters actually the only source to have the car in 1st gear. I find them quite useable.

 

You are correct. I think this is why Jaguar made them optional. Only in the one model year was there no option to switch on the paddles while in D.

Nobody needs to paddle shift a modern automatic. It is fun though.

 

Not quite true. In D or S the transmission will give you first gear if you floor it from a standing start.

I do select 1 manually if I really want to get off the line but really I doubt a stop watch would show any difference in actual acceleration time. This ZF shifts about as quickly as is comfortable. The 8 spd is even quicker shifting.

 

I always thought the same, but i am not sure if it does. 1st gear selected in S at full throttle, the car wants to pull wheelies. Left in automatic doesn't exert the same amount of kick for some reason.

Not sure if it's computerized to do so, but it's not as dramatic.

Going to try it out today. Will shift over to S and tap with the + paddle. Untouched, it should still shift automatically, but i will be able to see the numbers displayed.

 

I agree 1st gear with paddle selection seems significantly different vs the normal auto mode from a start. I've always thought 1st was only accessible from the paddles. You'd hope WOT would select it but I'm not so sure.

 

Got the chance to try it out today and does select 1st gear in S auto mode.

It went from 2nd to 1st as i floored it and back to 2nd. Doesn't have the same kick, but it does shift down to 1st.

 

Same in D. It takes a split second to "realize" you're serious about getting a move on but it does shift down from 2 when you floor it. Less than full throttle isn't enough, you have to stand on it right to the floor from a standstill.


The slight delay is why I select 1 with the paddle if I'm truly looking for immediate acceleration from a standing start.

 

Well put. Exactly what i experienced.