I’ll admit, I’ve never been a particularly good paddler. I’m ashamed to say that I can’t swim because I fell into the deep end of a pool when I was younger. Additionally, I feel uneasy in boats like rowing boats because of my inherent mistrust of the water.
But I’m happy to announce that, thanks to our new long-term Audi TT, my paddling has suddenly gotten considerably better. And what’s this? Not even getting wet is necessary. Instead, the TT’s paddleshift gearbox is all about injecting a dash of adrenaline into regular driving.
The S tronic transmission from Audi can be used in clutchless shifting mode, fully automatic mode, or both. The paddle shifters are located on the back of the multi-function steering wheel.
I’ve changed the way I drive to use both because there are moments when it can be challenging to find the paddles, which are linked to the wheel rather than the steering column.
And what a difference the system makes in the TT’s dynamism. The supercoup feels more like a super heavyweight when it is in automatic mode since it continuously wants to shift up to sixth gear, which makes it slow, plodding, and unresponsive. The Audi comes alive when you shift to manual mode, enabling you to fully utilize the magnificent 3.2-liter V6 engine. Although there is always a tiny delay as the TT changes, acceleration is quick and gradual. And that latency is the biggest complaint about a machine that is exquisitely designed, developed, and assembled.
Even though more modern TTs are now hitting the roads, the clean lines outside still draw admiring glances. The interior’s grey leather trim is holding up considerably better than I anticipated, and despite having driven almost 10,000 miles, the entire vehicle still feels taut and sharp.
I am aware that my road test coworkers think that the BMW 3-Series coupe still outperforms the TT dynamically. However, the essential issue is what you hope to gain from your coup. You can’t ask for more than that since every time I drive the Audi, it’s a great occasion in my eyes.
In This Article...
When did automobiles first have paddle shifters?
Are you interested in learning more about paddle shifters? How are paddle shifters operated? They function essentially as paddles that allow you to consecutively change gears. The right paddle is often used to shift up, and the left paddle is typically used to shift down. These kinds of cars don’t need clutches. Need to know more? We can give you all the information, including some background information.
Where do paddle shifters come from?
Despite having a history dating back to 1912, paddle shifters weren’t seriously investigated until racing in the 1970s, and they were subsequently used more successfully in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
When it comes to Formula One, paddle shifters were essentially the only game in town by 1994.
What kind of vehicles feature paddle shifters?
ten performance vehicles with paddle shifters
- 4C Alfa Romeo.
- MR-model Mitsubishi Evolution
- Nismo Nissan GT-R.
- BMW M3.
- Charger SRT Hellcat by Dodge.
- ZL1 Chevrolet Camaro
- Toyota Corolla R.
- WRX Subaru.
What distinguishes the S tronic from the DSG?
Your Audi may combine and/or switch between automatic and manual transmission thanks to the dual clutch, direct-shift gearbox (S Tronic).
The S Tronic transmission offers both impressive performance and low operating costs by fusing the practicality of an automatic gearbox with the effective, dynamic nature of a conventional manual gearbox.
The S Tronic differs from other Audi options including the six-speed DSG Multitronic, Tipttronic, and R Tronic thanks to its special seven-speed, dual-clutch transmission.
The seven-speed dual-clutch transmission allows for smooth yet quick shifting with hardly any disruptions in the power flow. Dynamic acceleration is made possible by the smooth transmission, producing thrilling performance and a thoroughly enjoyable driving experience.
Not only that. The S Tronic’s revolutionary design by Audi has ensured that the system places a high priority on fuel efficiency, which helps to lower fuel consumption and pollutant emissions.
What in an Audi does S tronic mean?
The S tronic combines the practicality of a contemporary automatic transmission with the effectiveness and sportiness of a traditional manual gearbox. Rapid shifting is possible with almost no audible interruption of the power flow thanks to the dual-clutch transmission. Dynamically and smoothly, the car accelerates.
Two multi-plate clutches and two sub-transmissions make up the 7-speed S tronic. Although both of these are constantly in use, only one of them is ever being powered by the engine. For instance, the second transmission section is already in fourth gear while the driver accelerates in third gear. By switching the clutches, one opens and the other closes, shifting the gears is accomplished. It just takes a few hundredths of a second to switch gears, with hardly any loss of power. The car passes by so swiftly and smoothly that the driver hardly notices it.
The two unique oil systems of the 7-speed S tronic are one of its distinguishing qualities. Gear sets, the center differential, and the front-axle differential are all lubricated independently, while the dual clutch, mechatronics module, and oil pump are all supplied by their own oil circuits. The benefit of this is that there is no need to compromise on the lubricant being used, ensuring a sufficient amount of oil for all components.
S tronic combines the practicality of a modern automatic transmission with the effectiveness and sportiness of a traditional manual transmission.
With the 7-speed S tronic, the driver has the option of manually shifting gears or letting the transmission do it for them. In manual mode, he chooses when to shift gear and does so by pulling the selector lever or using the paddles on the steering wheel. With the Drive program (D) and Sport program, he can alter the way the transmission behaves when shifting gears in automatic mode (S). The efficiency mode can also be chosen in conjunction with Audi drive choose, which is available for various models. This has a modified shift schedule and an energy-saving default configuration. When efficiency mode is engaged, for instance, the car automatically enters coasting mode and keeps moving without any engine braking losses if the driver lifts their foot off the accelerator.
While we put a lot of emphasis on dynamic performance, we also place a high value on efficiency because high efficiency lowers fuel consumption and pollutant emissions.
Is manual shifting quicker with a paddle?
Let’s face it, the most of us are now perfectly comfortable with automatic gearboxes. So content that manual transmissions are quickly making their way to the scrap heap of outdated automobile technology. There, they’ll be in excellent company with floor-mounted CD players, vent windows, and dimmer switches.
Where does it leave, though, auto fans who desire the rush of manually adjusting the transmission? I guess kind of nowhere.
The good news is that we can still shift the transmission manually despite the looming demise of manual transmissions. There are plenty of automatic transmissions that allow manual shifting. The gearshift lever is most frequently used.
On the shift gate, manual mode is either to the right or left of the “D. When the driver presses the gearshift lever back into drive, the vehicle is locked into manual mode. Look for the plus and minus (+/-) indicators after the camera is in manual mode. A gear moves up by tapping the shift lever in the direction of the plus sign. It shifts down a gear when you tap it near the minus icon.
Paddle shifters, however, are becoming a standard feature in more cars. Paddle shifters can significantly improve your driving experience by being more entertaining and allowing for quicker shifts than the shift lever. Even many manual-car enthusiasts reluctantly acknowledge that there are alternatives to the clutch.
What Are Paddle Shifters?
An alternative to the gearshift lever for manually shifting a transmission is a paddle shifter positioned on the steering wheel.
Paddle shifters, which are typically associated with automatic transmissions, were initially utilized in race cars with manual gears. They occasionally still appear in manual transmission applications.
Paddle shifters are located at either the 9 and 3 o’clock or the 10 and 2 o’clock positions, mounted either on the steering column or the back of the steering wheel. They could be made of metal or plastic.
How to Use Paddle Shifters
When you want to be more involved in the driving experience, you’ll need paddle shifters. You can drive with the most flexibility when you can change gears. Another justification is when you need more control, like when towing or driving in the snow.
Downshifting a few gears enhances the fun of driving on winding roads. You can get the rush you’re after by tapping your paddle shifter as you enter a curve to increase the torque for an aggressiver curve exit. The same holds true when passing a car moving more slowly. As you start making that pass, shift down a gear to improve torque and acceleration.
You typically upshift by toggling the right paddle and downshift by toggling the left paddle, though the paddles may function differently depending on the vehicle.
Automatic Transmission
Due to its seamless transition between gears, an automatic transmission appears to be quite straightforward. It’s nothing, right? Wait a minute.
Consider it more like a duck gliding across a lake’s surface. It’s effortless and calm, like a meditation. Actually, no. Its tiny, webbed feet are moving at 100 km/h underneath the surface.
Even though automatic transmission operations go largely ignored, there is a lot going on within to provide those very flawless shifts.
There is no need to go into specifics, but manually changing an automatic transmission throws off the regular flow of events. Because of this, automakers have added security measures to the system to prevent any unintentional shifts.
An automatic transmission must be in manual mode in some vehicles in order to be shifted manually. When using paddle shifters, many vehicles’ automatic transmissions can be switched to manual mode to simulate manual gearshifting.
The paddles can be utilized whenever the transmission is in Drive for other automobiles. Using the paddles in these cars will switch the transmission to manual. It usually takes holding in one of the paddles for a two or three count, releasing it, and then returning to fully automatic mode.
When in manual mode, the paddles carry out the majority of the job. Most of the thinking is done by the driver. Practice is the key to understanding when to upshift and downshift.
The rpm, or revolutions per minute, of an engine is crucial for effective shifting. A transmission is designed to increase an engine’s efficiency. To maximize efficiency while using the fewest rpm possible. The engine works harder the higher the rpm.
The more fuel an engine burns and the greater strain it puts on its parts, the harder it works. When the rpm reaches roughly 2,500, a standard automatic transmission will change into an upshift.
Some Safeguards When in Manual Mode
You will only be in manual mode while using paddle shifters. To keep you and the gearbox secure, the automaker incorporated a number of security measures into the system.
The majority of them concern staying inside safe rpm ranges. Some of them are as follows:
- user apathy When you stop, the transmission will do it for you if you forget to change back into first (or second) gear.
- Use of one. The other paddle cannot be utilized while the first one is still in use.
- Upshifts only occasionally. Upshifts are not permitted until the engine rpm hits the following gear’s lowest safe limit.
- Only at particular moments do you downshift. It won’t let you downshift until the rpm reaches the safe upper limit of the next lower gear.
Manual Transmission
There isn’t much to worry about in this situation. There’s a good chance you’ll never drive a car with a paddle shifter and a manual transmission. Modern new cars with manual transmissions are extremely rare.
You can forget about manual mode if you’re in a Formula race car or something comparable with a genuine clutch and paddle shifters. Already a part of it.
Beyond that, while starting from a halt, you must compress and release the clutch. When you come to a complete stop, press it again. If not, simply turn those paddles like an automatic.
How Do Paddle Shifters Work?
Paddle shifters function same for the driver regardless of the kind of transmission. The only way to override the pre-programmed shift points in an automatic transmission is to use the paddle shifters to upshift and downshift.
Many drivers never even attempt to use their shift paddles, at least not on purpose. No law requires you to. But learning how they work can be enjoyable. They can also help you exert more control.
Although we don’t want to show you how things are created, here are some brief descriptions of the three different automatic transmissions with paddle shifters.
- Torque converter-equipped automatic transmissions are the most common, and they typically use planetary gearing with disc packs.
- Automated manual transmission: This transmission is operated by hand. However, the functions of a clutch are carried out by sensors and actuators inside the gearbox. It resembles utilizing paddles for an automatic transmission as viewed from the driver’s seat.
- Constantly Variable Transmission (CVT): The CVT is an automated transmission without gears that shifts to the most effective gear ratio smoothly and continuously. Some CVTs have false shift points incorporated into them, giving the impression of shifting.
What to be Aware of When Using Paddle Shifters
You may be able to start in second gear depending on your car. On slick conditions like snow, ice, and gravel, this is useful.
- consuming fuel The higher the rpm you let before upshifting, the quicker the gasoline burn, the more aggressively you shift.
- Adaptability. Based on situations with the lowest common denominator, an automatic transmission has pre-set shift points. You can quickly adjust to new or unexpected situations with paddle shifters.
- relief in downshifting. When pulling a load, you can reduce the stress and strain on your brakes by downshifting one or two gears up a hill.
When is the Right Time to Shift Gears with Paddle Shifters?
- in the ideal circumstances. Depending on the circumstances and your goals for physically shifting gears, you should decide when it is appropriate to do so.
- when a signal is sent by the engine. The sound of the engine will alert you when it’s time to upshift as you gain more familiarity with manual shifting. The engine becomes louder as it spins at a faster rate of speed. It is advising you to upshift.
- Observe the light. Many manual-transmission cars have a warning light in the instrument panel that tells you when to upshift.
- the tachometer, please. If your car has a tachometer, keeping the revs in that ideal spot of 2,500 to 3,000 rpm will help you choose your shift points with accuracy.