R tronic // Manual Sport Mode // 1-2 Shift

[cmxi]

I'll probably get some interesting comments about this question... along the lines of, go find a professional driver before you destroy the car, or, can't wait until you destroy your clutch. Regardless, I think I'm fine. I just want some tips so I can get better. When I have the time, I promise, I'll be going to an instruction school to get better.

I've been driving the car a lot the past few days to get used to the transmission and the feel. At my age, getting in and out is a bit of an issue, but I'll deal.

One of the questions I have is about the 1-2 shift in Manual Sport mode. I'm trying to figure out what the best way to shift is to get it off the line from 0-60.

It seems that no matter how I try it, whether it's a light feathering, or a full on removal of my foot from the throttle, there' a significant jerk when going into 2nd gear. After that, it seems to be smoother sailing.

Anyway, that might just be how it is... like I mentioned before, this is my first high performance car in well over 13 years. I need to get used to it.

But what are you all doing in Manual Sport 1-2 shift? Paddle? Lever? Shift first, then slightly feather the throttle? Feather the throttle, then shift? Remove foot completely, shift? Shift, remove foot completely? What RPM are you shifting at?

This may make me feel like an amateur, and that I am, but like I said... I've had no problems with any other shifts. Typically, what I've been doing is shifting up, and immediately feathering the throttle for a second, then back on.

Any help would be appreciated in regards to what you do and what RPMs you are shifting at. Thanks.

[kthacher]

I know this is not going to help, but I am bored and feel like posting. In my manual, I find that I get smoother shifts from 1-2 in the 5,000 rpm+ range. Seems like the kinetic energy in the system, stops momentum from falling off and messing up the smoothness of the shift.

[cmxi]

I know this is not going to help, but I am bored and feel like posting. In my manual, I find that I get smoother shifts from 1-2 in the 5,000 rpm+ range. Seems like the kinetic energy in the system, stops momentum from falling off and messing up the smoothness of the shift.

Haha. I'm not sure if you don't think it's going to help because you have little faith in my driving ability (which seems valid), but it does help. I have been shifting north of 5,000 rpm though, when I'm trying to get it off the line the fastest. I actually find it to shift better in the 3-4,000 rpm range when I'm not trying to accelerate very fast.

[RSMR8]

I've had my car since last December and found if I keep a steady foot on the pedal it shifts pretty smoothly. Usually just cruising around the surface streets I shift in the 3K to 4K range. If I'm getting on the freeway or having fun it's definitely higher rpms.

[ignomini]

If you want the fastest possible acceleration, stay in the throttle. If you want a smoother shift, feather the throttle as you pull the paddle (if you let off too much or for too long it will make the shift worse). The 1-2 shift will always be the roughest because of gearing. First gear has the greatest mechanical advantage over the tires, and even in the tiny amount of time it takes to shift, you have a momentary gap in the application of torque. Going from massive acceleration, to none, back to almost as massive an amount of acceleration is going to throw you around. The effect is reduced in higher gears because the engine has less mechanical advantage against the tires.

[the_buch]

If you want the fastest possible acceleration, stay in the throttle. If you want a smoother shift, feather the throttle as you pull the paddle (if you let off too much or for too long it will make the shift worse). The 1-2 shift will always be the roughest because of gearing. First gear has the greatest mechanical advantage over the tires, and even in the tiny amount of time it takes to shift, you have a momentary gap in the application of torque. Going from massive acceleration, to none, back to almost as massive an amount of acceleration is going to throw you around. The effect is reduced in higher gears because the engine has less mechanical advantage against the tires.

This is exactly how I do it in either normal or Sport mode. You quickly get used to the amount of feathering needed for the exact effect you want out the other end of the process

[kthacher]

Haha. I'm not sure if you don't think it's going to help because you have little faith in my driving ability (which seems valid), but it does help. I have been shifting north of 5,000 rpm though, when I'm trying to get it off the line the fastest. I actually find it to shift better in the 3-4,000 rpm range when I'm not trying to accelerate very fast.

I didn't think it would help since I have a manual.

[desperado]

Good question and good responses. Glad you are enjoying the car!