Driving auto tranny tips

[B.K.]

My R8 has a R-tronic and this is my first car with automatic tranny. I prefer manual gearbox but I had no choice when getting it. Is there anything one can do in order to minimize wear on the transmission and clutch. I mean I never had to replace a clutch on my previous cars, always matching revs when downshifting for smoother shifts, never slipping the clutch etc. I guess it is not smart to shift fast from reverse to 1st or vice versa. Sometimes it throws me into neutral when I do it too fast.

And I just can't get used to paddles or shifting with stick. With ordinary tranny you now in which gear you are when you put you hand on the stick. Here you have to look at the display. And when driving fast there is no time to check the display Display on a windshield would be quite handy here. I find sport mode much smoother but with that you also get shifting on higer revs, which I don't always want. Tips on this topic are welcomed. Tks.

[harrison]

Give it time to get used to it . Clutch wear could be less than with the standard . The computer will help you match revs better and faster than you ever imagined. Once you get the hang of it, you will wonder why anyone would order the standard, other than to save money. Hang in there . It does take some getting used to !! This is going to piss off the standard traditionalist guys I know . Sorry guys just my opinion.

[randombloke]

I mean I never had to replace a clutch on my previous cars, always matching revs when downshifting for smoother shifts, never slipping the clutch etc.

other than at very slow speeds, the r-tronic is going to do what you'd have likely been doing with a manual only with more precision.

And I just can't get used to paddles or shifting with stick. With ordinary tranny you now in which gear you are when you put you hand on the stick. Here you have to look at the display.

with a manual you need to know what gear you're in to know how to shift to the next desired gear - with the r-tronic you just pull a paddle to go up or down which you can do based solely on feel/noise once you get used to it.

I find sport mode much smoother but with that you also get shifting on higer revs, which I don't always want.

sounds like you're driving it in auto, to get the best out of the transmission really does mean getting used to the paddles or stick to treat it as a sequential manual.

[London Lad]

Try to keep in mind its NOT an automatic transmission . Its just a manual where the computer works the gear change and the clutch for you. Drive it exactly like you would a manual, you just don't need to move your left foot!

[Davey_Dee]

You can put it into Automatic meaning it would then be automatic transmission?

[harrison]

Yeah Davey, In auto all you do is work the gas pedal.The car will get you into a gas saving 6th gear waaay too soon. Fine if your texting, sipping coffee, massaging your girlfreind.

[Davey_Dee]

So what would be the advantages of R-Tronic over Manual? I'm finalizing my order next week so i need to decide

[NASA R8]

I drove my R-tronic home in automatic and it never shifted where I would in my manual Porsches or where my AMG MB automatics did. Since then I have treated it as a sequential manual and have been a happy camper

[SDR8]

So what would be the advantages of R-Tronic over Manual? I'm finalizing my order next week so i need to decide

Quicker shifts, lack of mis-shifts, not having to take your hand off the steering wheel to shift or learning to use a clutch well. The R-Tronic is very simple and quick to learn if you just accept it as a sequential manual and keep your hands in the proper locations. I find the paddles so easy to use. The right side up shifts, the left down shifts. If you have the seat adjusted properly, you can generally keep each thumb right above the spoke on each side of the wheel and seldom need to move them (unless you are doing a U-Turn or other tight turn, but then you move the lower hand to the opposite side and repeat as needed). By having your hands in these locations, it is real easy to know where the proper paddle is.

The auto function of the R-Tronic is not stellar. In normal mode it shifts way to early and can be jerky. In sport mode, it shifts much later, but feels better to me. I only use auto mode if I am stuck in traffic or trying to drink something. I generally hate auto mode.

To help minimize clutch wear and surprises, get in the habit of shifting into neutral if you are going to be sitting at a light or not moving for a while. It will shift into neutral by itself if you are not pressing on the brakes or giving it gas for a little while. It does make a chime when it does this, but a lot of new R8 drivers miss that and step on the gas to take off and learn they are in neutral. It is easier to just use the shifter (move the leaver right then back (just do not go all the way back to the left or you will hit auto)) and do it yourself if you know you will be sitting a bit and remember that you will need to press on the brake and use the + paddle when you want to go.

Some people like the feel of manual and the added control they have of manually using the clutch. That is why they have the two options...

[harrison]

We ca'nt decide for you...but if you like the idea of shifting like a formula-one driver the R-tronic is for you. Calling it an automatic sounds weak-sauce. The transmisions are identical in both. A computer helps you get the most out of the R8's gearbox. And if you decide to upgrade to another car later on you will be able to get top dollar for her. For me the R-tronik was a no-brainer. Since you are a new aficionado , might as well start with the high-teck set-up. It will be very interesting to hear your decision.I hope some standard dude speaks up and chimes in...R84ME is my good buddy who has a standard and I gave him a ride.Desparado is another buddy with a standard who has ridden with me too.I don't even really know what they think about my R-tronik...Maybe we will find out !!