Paddle Shifter Responsiveness

[04SloSnake]

Unfortunately I will not be able to test drive any cars prior to my order due to my location so I am down to 1 sticking point right now. So how responsive are the paddle shifters, as in input to execution? The last car I owned with paddle shifters was a MKV GTI and the shifters were incredibly responsive. The car shifted almost immediately after I pushed the paddle.

I'm looking at the automatic because the car will be a daily, will see some time on the drag strip, and the wife refuses to drive a manual. If I go back to California it will probably be in the canyons more than any other driving environment and the paddle shifters would be great for that, depending on how quickly they respond. Thanks in advance for the opinions and experiences.

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[SVTFreak]

It initiates the shift instantly. I do find the shift itself to be a little soft (a little slow) but that can be fixed by a good tuner.

 

[69mach1-395]

Is there also a stick shift option rather than just paddles and does that speed it up at all?
I have both options on my current DD, in sport mode.

 

[OppoLock]

It lags compared to modern offerings. The shift speed is moderate-to quick, but the response to input still feels comparable to an auto that would've been considered pretty good in 2005-2010; almost identical to my old ZF6. It's nowhere near a ZF8HP. And it's not like the DSG in your MkV. The rev-matching is well executed though, even going from 2nd to 1st. No drivetrain whiplash at all.

 

[OppoLock]

Is there also a stick shift option rather than just paddles and does that speed it up at all?
I have both options on my current DD, in sport mode.

No, which is a huge bummer. I always preferred using the console shifter over paddle shifters in autos.

 

[FR500GT]

I wish someone with a tune could chime in and say if it has made a significant difference in shift firmness and paddle response! It's decent at best in stock form but if a tune makes a big difference, I will consider an auto.

 

[thehunterooo]

Compared to my 14 auto with selectshift I thought the paddle shifters felt better but it seemed about the same. Though a tune should help out I would think.

 

[FR500GT]

Though a tune should help out I would think.

We all "think" so, but now we wanna know for sure!!!!! haha

 

[69mach1-395]

No, which is a huge bummer. I always preferred using the console shifter over paddle shifters in autos.

Yeah, kind of hard to use the paddles while you are turning...the floor shifter is a better option in that case.

 

[unintelligible]

I rented an Ecoboost Premium for a few days and thought the auto was decent. To me it feels like an auto that you would describe as a "slushbox". Not very crisp, but smooth. Manual shifts are nowhere near as quick as BMW's ZF8 or DCTs. You grab a paddle and there is definite lag, but when the shift occurs it's of decent quality, moreso in the Sport+ and Track modes which provide a firmer shift.

I also echo the desire to have a manual gate on the shifter. They had the rocker switch on the S197, I don't know why they couldn't at the least provided that. Finding the correct paddle while the wheel is unwinding is tough.

 

[Twin Turbo]

I wish someone with a tune could chime in and say if it has made a significant difference in shift firmness and paddle response! It's decent at best in stock form but if a tune makes a big difference, I will consider an auto.

Checkout the video from thatdudeinblue..........whilst he doesn't state (IIRC) that the paddles become more responsive with a tune, the change certainly is.......


[ame]

 

[04SloSnake]

That video is one of the main reasons I made this thread. I watched multiple times to see the input to execution of the shifts and it seems very fast, which is promising. I'm just curious to hear what some owners think, especially if they autoX, road course, or canyon carve.

 

[FR500GT]

So while that video seems to show that the tune helped with shift firmness, keep in mind that the 4cyl and 8cyl transmissions are completely different.

 

[69mach1-395]

Really? IIRC they are exactly the same ones.
http://www.mustang6g.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13310

 

[FR500GT]

Hmm didn't know that. I figured they would be different.

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