Paddle shifters

[J.Darcy]

I'm curious if anyone is looking forward to the paddle shifters? It doesnt seem to get talked about at all. Anyone actually going to use them or are they all just for show and marketing?

I don't have experience with the paddle shifting on other Ford vehicles but if members here do would like to hear what your experience has been.

So here's this poll...... the paddle shifters, will you use them?

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[Sisk]

I'm still debating on a manual or automatic... If the automatic is good enough I would think the paddle shifters would be fun to use.

 

[RubyRacer]

I'm still debating on a manual or automatic... If the automatic is good enough I would think the paddle shifters would be fun to use.

Exact same for me. If reviews say they work briskly, and work well in general, I think I'm in.

 

[Wild Stang]

Automatic Mustang... *shudders*

If I did get an automatic, I would definitely consider using them. Anything to make it more fun to drive.

 

[Grimace427]

Just so you guys know, they aren't actually paddle shifters. They are buttons on the back of the steering wheel.

Also the last point on the poll is a little odd; 'true DCT'? Paddle shifters were originally connected to sequential transmissions. Just a nitpick, feel free to ignore.

I've driven some awesome Mercedes AMG with their Speedshift automatic transmissions and they can be pretty quick at WOT but still suffer from about a half-second lag from when you hit the button to the actual shift. When you get close to redline you have to time the shift otherwise risk hitting the limiter. If you were actually racing you'd be better off leaving it in auto.

 

[yanks1]

I have an '08 Mustang GT manual which I love driving. But my new daily driver is a 2014 V6 Accord Coupe with paddle shifters which surprised me how responsive they are. They shift in mili-seconds and are a great alternative to driving a true manual. Shifters are great for downshifting into curves or downhill just like a manual.

 

[86GT]

Honestly, it probably won't be worth using it to shift. With a tune, the computer will shift the trans better than I ever will. Now; if it ever gets a DCT, then paddles might be worth it on the track. But if you're drag racing or driving around town, there is no use for the paddles. It's a gimmick and an option. I like that they have it, but you'll be quicker without it.

 

[eric n]

My 2011 is a stick and I love it. I have had the pleasure of driving a Porsche Turbo S and a Ferrari f430 on a race track. Both had really excellent paddle set ups. FUN FUN FUN. I am doubting the paddles/buttons will be anything like those two, but I am definately interested in test driving an auto. After all, it's hard to ignore better acceleration and better mpg with an auto.

 

[mustang317]

ive driven lots of automatic cars lately and paddle shifters have been very responsive and i think i would like to get an auto vs a manual since its going to be a daily driver for me.

 

[genericuser1]

Completely depends on the transmission programming. The shifts on my DCT are very immediate and crisp and I've driven a few autos that feel similar. Whereas the buttons on a CTS-V left a lot to be desired, not very responsive and lacking in the tactile experience.

This is my first "auto" in about 10 years and while it's good it just doesn't compare to a manual. Well except when you really need to focus on driving quickly.

 

[GMAN6]

I have select a shift on my Focus and it's fun to play around with although it's much faster in full auto mode.
So yes, I'll probably play around with it for fun, but I do hope it's more responsive than the Focus.

 

[thegabrielles]

My wife drives a Mercedes C350 Sport with a great paddle shifter set up. It shifts clean and quickly when you use the paddles, but I rarely use them. The few times I have is to keep the car in a lower gear going down the mountains. I personally refer either auto or an actual manual transmission. The paddle shifter is a bit of a gimick IMO. I have also had a few other cars that I could manually shift on the shifter and used this the same as the paddle shifter I have now.

 

[5.0GT]

Not a fan of paddle shifters myself.

 

[Colleton]

I had paddle shifters and a DCT on my '08 MkV GTI. Ended up not using the paddle shifters a whole lot, as I was far more likely to just throw the transmission into Sport mode when I wanted to accelerate quickly.

The paddle shifters and DCT tranny made me want a MT again.

 

[DBCooper]

Just so you guys know, they aren't actually paddle shifters. They are buttons on the back of the steering wheel.

Isn't that all that a paddle shifter is? A lever that just clicks a button? How is an "actual" paddle shifter different?

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