Drove My First R-Tronic Today!

[R8Spyderman]

And boy was I impressed! I love the way it downshifts and blips the revs. Very entertaining! And a lot of fun to drive. Going from the old school, gated manual to the R-Tronic was my only trepidation about ordering a Spyder GT but those fears have gone out the window now that I've driven one and found it to be every bit as engaging as my manual.

New Spyder owner and forum member, Spyder Ned met me today at our local Audi dealer and we took turns driving each other's cars. His is a stunning red V8 with black guts and red stitching which is absolutely gorgeous! Especially the blacked-out grill which contrasts so well against the bright red paint. I was so jealous watching him in my rearview mirror. And he was jealous of all the power and torque of the V10. All in all, it was a fun outing and it was nice to get to meet Ned and especially nice to get familiar with the R-Tronic.

[FiftyPence]

Superb story, glad to hear you like the R-Tronic despite initial reservations.

[spyder ned]

What a great day, got to drive my new red spyder, met a very interesting, new friend, R8Spyderman and got to drive hie V10. He might have enjoyed the blips of the R-tronic, but I was bowled over by the power of his V10. What a machine!!!
Maybe with his help, we can figure out how to post a 6 minute video of my car being unloaded, and unwrapped in the service bay. Thanks again Jeff.

[M3R8]

@spyder ned, two things:

1. When you've decided you need more power, supercharge your car. It's going to be awesome. That's what I would definitely do if I had a V8.

2. Upload your video to youtube, it should be the easiest way to get it done.

[mstams]

And boy was I impressed! I love the way it downshifts and blips the revs. Very entertaining! And a lot of fun to drive. Going from the old school, gated manual to the R-Tronic was my only trepidation about ordering a Spyder GT but those fears have gone out the window now that I've driven one and found it to be every bit as engaging as my manual.

So did you find yourself using the paddles or the stick? Just curious...

[R8Spyderman]

Totally paddles. Never felt the urge to reach for the shifter, curiously. I guess my right hand and my left leg work together in a totally manual car but not with an automated manual. I've had paddles since my '05 Quattroporte so it's not new to me. My only gripe - and that of Spyder Ned - is that the paddles aren't on the steering column so they are always stationary and where you expect them to be. Other than that, it's a fun tranny.

[Vincent]

Glad to hear you like the R-tronic. I haven't use my left foot for driving for years and don't miss it at all.