Best F1 type shifter in R8 range

[Timbo]

Hi guys, first post - so I am thinking about jumping into an R8 hunt. I have owned lots of manual shift Porsche, Lotus, NSX etc, but now want to try a manu-matic/F1 type thing.

Around the 100K range, what's the best shifter? By "best", i mean combo of quick crisp shifts and low maintenance needs.
R8
Porsche PDK
F430
Gallardo (I assume R8/G use the same shifter?)
GTR, etc etc..

Dual clutch seems to be the future... so I'm considering a PDK, but i hate how they made the shifters as thumb buttons on the wheel, not paddles.

TIA!

[NVRL8R8]

Welcome to the forum. Please find me an F430 that has a clear title for 100k, and I might just bite!

[mark25]

You sure you cant get an F430 for that in the US? Uk prices are very similar and I know you can get F430s with around 30,000 miles on the clock for the 100,000 USD (around £65K) mark.

[Timbo]

Well I said "Around the 100K range", the low end of F1 trans 430s seems to be around 110-120 nowadays

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2005-...-/360403426168

http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail...ingId=68454595

Wonder if anyone has any comments on the various F1 type shifters?

[hblocal]

I had it on my Maserati and it was mediocre at best. Didn't like the Porsche PDK for the exact same reason you mentioned even though you can fit aftermarket paddles. Tough to not like the Ferrari F1 trans.

But the best that I have personally driven so far is hands down the DCT in my M3. The shifts are lightning fast, paddles feel good and rotates with the wheel rather than stationary on the steering column (takes getting used to). but the speed and efficiency of the M3 on upshifts and the blipping on the downshifts is amazing. The other thing I like to factor in is how intuitive are the shifts when in auto mode in these F1 type trannies. The M3 again is hands down the most intuitive when in auto mode and will drive smooth in traffic or like a race car when you get on it even in auto mode. You can't beat the option to be able to adjust how fast/slow and aggressive/conservative you want the clutch and trans to upshift and downshift in auto mode. I'm hoping the S-Tronic in the next R8 will feel similar to this. If I can put my M3's trans in my R8 then I wouldn't need both cars!

[Baer]

Porsche originally came out with the thumb buttons but after massive outcry quickly added paddles as an option. Think current ones come standard with paddles. I've driven both the thumb button and paddle types of 911s and found the paddles to be much easier, and more intuitive to use. If you get one with PDK and Sport Chrono they have launch control which is freaking unbelievable --will make you giddy for days.

On the F430, Michael Sheehan was offering a beautiful one on his site for $129k. A bit high of "around $100k" but not far off . . .Have driven the F1 version of the F430 a couple of times and found it worked well, same with the Gallardo except it seemed to have a bit more aggressive shift (ie rougher) than the others. Of the ones I've driven I'd say the PDK with paddles was the best for all round use. . . and the Gallardo sounded the best by far.
Haven't driven an R8 R-tronic or a GTR yet so I can't help you there.

FWIW, after having driven the Porsche GT3, Ferrari F430 and the Lamborghini Gallardo I bought an R8 and have never regretted it.

[harald]

Next year there will be the facelift of the R8 with a DKG. Until know nothing special is known

Harald

[SebringSilver]

The Porsche PDK with paddles also comes with a fantastic looking steering wheel. But the older buttons have one advantage - you can do upshifts and downshifts with one hand.

[cavaret]

All the GTRs I have driven have incredibly rough and jerky shifts on the streets for daily driving.

[mngolfer]

I have the R-tronic transmission on my R8. I could not be happier. I don't know how it compares to the P car, but I believe the R8 in sport mode it shifts very fast. The R-tronic in auto mode is a disappointment. I never use auto mode.

My car will be three years old next month. Every time I get in it I get a smile on my face. With my 911 P car I could not say the same thing. There are so many P cars that look alike only a P car owner can tell the difference.

The R8 is beautifully styled, reliable and dependable. There are very few people with R8's that have maintenance nightmares. I don't think that can be said for some of the older F cars and L cars.