I am the new owner of a 2011 XKR175. I love this car. The power/torque is awesome. Whether in "D" or "S" or manually shifting with the paddles the shift from first gear to second gear is a significant interruption to hard acceleration. The rest of the shifts are what I would expect from a torque converter automatic transmission. Since this would be controlled by the ECU, it is something that could be changed/corrected through programming. Is anyone aware of a dealer fix for this?

I am pretty sure that the stumble that I am feeling is NOT the DSC interfering. It does it with the DSC on TRAC and "OFF."

 

The transmission is controlled by the TCM. What you're experiencing is not normal, based on my own experience, and may suggest that something is slowing the 1st-2nd shift. Perhaps the operation of one of the clutches is sluggish because one of the valves in the valve pack is gummed up.

Anyway, if you have a warranty, I'd take it back to the dealer and ask them to investigate & rectify. If it was a private sale, find a ZF gearbox specialist and get them to take a look. It may be that a fluid & filter change on the 'box might help.

 

Cobra,
Congrats on the 175 which I also am the proud owner of. It is interesting that you mention that as I was noticing the same thing yesterday and was wondering if it was one of those "learning" features that the car learns your habits and since I have been in traffic a bit lately, maybe that would explain it. I would hope that at 30,000 miles, the car would not need transmission service.
Please let me know what you find out and enjoy your Big Cat.

 

I'll try & double-check how mine behaves, though it's hard to get the back end to stay stuck from zero - definitely can't use full throttle.

 

I always down shift to 1st when in "S" at very low speed before stopping at a light or behind a car. I also operated my old 175 in the same manner. I find accelerating and shifting into 2nd is extremely quick on the ZF, faster than any non DCT I've owned and own. I find the ZF transmission feels as quick as my 2014 GT-R I sold. I would have the transmission fluid and filter changed and while they have it opened up check it over.

 

My 2010 XKR has a bit softer 1-2 shift than the 2-3 and so on while in Drive, but with the Dynamic Mode engaged and in SPORT, the shift firms up to where it should be. I thought this softer shift was normal to reduce the impact that a hard shift has at low axle speeds.