[GR8NJR8]

Completely disagree. If the facelift had a r-tronic option, I would have gone for that over s-tronic. You're second para is complete nonsense to me, and quite derogatory.

But, buy what suits you.

That's whats nice about the forum: We are all entitled to our opinions.

We can all agree on your last statement.
For us to be in a position to have an opinion on this matter is a blessing.

 

[speedrs4]

Hi

What really bothered me about the S-Tronic was the nervous shift up and down the gears, the R-Tronic doesn't do that.


Tom

 

[cmmaia]

Ha, the good old polarizing topic...

You see, the problem, is as in politics. It doesn't specifically rely on the matter. It's us humans, it's how we perceive something, read and acknowledge something and how we act upon it. We may have different opinions based on our experiences and beliefs and be totally entitled to stand by them. But to be blind folded is another matter (and quite dangerous at it).

What is your assessment of "better"? Most of the time is "faster", "seamless". What is wrong with classifying it as "rawer"? Is an Apple Watch better than a Patek Philippe? Because it's connected? Because it's more accurate? Well, if all you care is that, then it is! But to negate the virtues of the ancient Patek movement and it's manufacture would be downright dumb on anyone's part. And there are quite a few people that like old, jurassic horology.

The way I see it:

- Manual: provides you the analog feel, the biggest bound with the vehicle. You engage on more levels, heightening the sensorial experience. You can try to shift faster, smoother, from 5th to 2nd at your pleasure.. No one cares that it's the slower transmission and everyone forgives that. Never seen anyone complain.

- S-Tronic: Pinacle of race-derived technology, faster, smoother, etc. Like clock-work. Amazing feat. Up, down, left, right, mid-range, red-line, never missing a beat. Truly spectacular.

- R-Tronic: The wors... hold on... not quite; some people actually enjoy the flawed transmission! Down shifts are thrilling. Up shifts thump you in the back, especially at WOT. Factory programmed to be slower at lower engine rpm and as fast as possible when driving spiritually. Is it jerky sometimes? Yeah! Clumsy-even in Auto mode? Touché. Does it rock you forward and back? Yes... if you don't modulate your throttle input. Same as with a manual transmission (if you want) by the way. Brings old supercar sensations, vibrations and whatnot.

To keep the post shorter, I'd like to just simply say that some may like the imperfect and raw R-Tronic experience. It's available everywhere, with more interior/exterior combinations and cheaper as well. Does this mean all R-Tronic buyers get it because they're cheapskates? What if they get the experience they are looking for? I, for one, don't think DCTs engaging. Effective? Sure. But not my cup of tea. BUT, I respect and UNDERSTAND why would anyone get a S-Tronic and don't feel the need to say how lifeless (IMO) they are over and over again. Specially if your are tracking your car and drag racing, or simply want a peaceful cruise, the S-Tronic is much refined and faster!

At the end of the day, each R-Tronic buyer leaves more S-Tronic models for you all! Double bonus!

So, what is your definition of "better"? And by the way, maybe a Tesla is "better"... just sayin'

 

[Uncle_Rob]

Ha, the good old polarizing topic...

You see, the problem, is as in politics. It doesn't specifically rely on the matter. It's us humans, it's how we perceive something, read and acknowledge something and how we act upon it. We may have different opinions based on our experiences and beliefs and be totally entitled to stand by them. But to be blind folded is another matter (and quite dangerous at it).

What is your assessment of "better"? Most of the time is "faster", "seamless". What is wrong with classifying it as "rawer"? Is an Apple Watch better than a Patek Philippe? Because it's connected? Because it's more accurate? Well, if all you care is that, then it is! But to negate the virtues of the ancient Patek movement and it's manufacture would be downright dumb on anyone's part. And there are quite a few people that like old, jurassic horology.

The way I see it:

- Manual: provides you the analog feel, the biggest bound with the vehicle. You engage on more levels, heightening the sensorial experience. You can try to shift faster, smoother, from 5th to 2nd at your pleasure.. No one cares that it's the slower transmission and everyone forgives that. Never seen anyone complain.

- S-Tronic: Pinacle of race-derived technology, faster, smoother, etc. Like clock-work. Amazing feat. Up, down, left, right, mid-range, red-line, never missing a beat. Truly spectacular.

- R-Tronic: The wors... hold on... not quite; some people actually enjoy the flawed transmission! Down shifts are thrilling. Up shifts thump you in the back, especially at WOT. Factory programmed to be slower at lower engine rpm and as fast as possible when driving spiritually. Is it jerky sometimes? Yeah! Clumsy-even in Auto mode? Touché. Does it rock you forward and back? Yes... if you don't modulate your throttle input. Same as with a manual transmission (if you want) by the way. Brings old supercar sensations, vibrations and whatnot.

To keep the post shorter, I'd like to just simply say that some may like the imperfect and raw R-Tronic experience. It's available everywhere, with more interior/exterior combinations and cheaper as well. Does this mean all R-Tronic buyers get it because they're cheapskates? What if they get the experience they are looking for? I, for one, don't think DCTs engaging. Effective? Sure. But not my cup of tea. BUT, I respect and UNDERSTAND why would anyone get a S-Tronic and don't feel the need to say how lifeless (IMO) they are over and over again. Specially if your are tracking your car and drag racing, or simply want a peaceful cruise, the S-Tronic is much refined and faster!

At the end of the day, each R-Tronic buyer leaves more S-Tronic models for you all! Double bonus!

So, what is your definition of "better"? And by the way, maybe a Tesla is "better"... just sayin'

Cracking post. Job done

 

[jbusa95te]

Ha, the good old polarizing topic...

You see, the problem, is as in politics. It doesn't specifically rely on the matter. It's us humans, it's how we perceive something, read and acknowledge something and how we act upon it. We may have different opinions based on our experiences and beliefs and be totally entitled to stand by them. But to be blind folded is another matter (and quite dangerous at it).

What is your assessment of "better"? Most of the time is "faster", "seamless". What is wrong with classifying it as "rawer"? Is an Apple Watch better than a Patek Philippe? Because it's connected? Because it's more accurate? Well, if all you care is that, then it is! But to negate the virtues of the ancient Patek movement and it's manufacture would be downright dumb on anyone's part. And there are quite a few people that like old, jurassic horology.

The way I see it:

- Manual: provides you the analog feel, the biggest bound with the vehicle. You engage on more levels, heightening the sensorial experience. You can try to shift faster, smoother, from 5th to 2nd at your pleasure.. No one cares that it's the slower transmission and everyone forgives that. Never seen anyone complain.

- S-Tronic: Pinacle of race-derived technology, faster, smoother, etc. Like clock-work. Amazing feat. Up, down, left, right, mid-range, red-line, never missing a beat. Truly spectacular.

- R-Tronic: The wors... hold on... not quite; some people actually enjoy the flawed transmission! Down shifts are thrilling. Up shifts thump you in the back, especially at WOT. Factory programmed to be slower at lower engine rpm and as fast as possible when driving spiritually. Is it jerky sometimes? Yeah! Clumsy-even in Auto mode? Touché. Does it rock you forward and back? Yes... if you don't modulate your throttle input. Same as with a manual transmission (if you want) by the way. Brings old supercar sensations, vibrations and whatnot.

To keep the post shorter, I'd like to just simply say that some may like the imperfect and raw R-Tronic experience. It's available everywhere, with more interior/exterior combinations and cheaper as well. Does this mean all R-Tronic buyers get it because they're cheapskates? What if they get the experience they are looking for? I, for one, don't think DCTs engaging. Effective? Sure. But not my cup of tea. BUT, I respect and UNDERSTAND why would anyone get a S-Tronic and don't feel the need to say how lifeless (IMO) they are over and over again. Specially if your are tracking your car and drag racing, or simply want a peaceful cruise, the S-Tronic is much refined and faster!

At the end of the day, each R-Tronic buyer leaves more S-Tronic models for you all! Double bonus!

So, what is your definition of "better"? And by the way, maybe a Tesla is "better"... just sayin'

Great post. I would like to add one thing. After owning 18 R8's in all configurations ( I'm a dealer that drives R8's as my personal car) your comment "Specially if your are tracking your car" In my experience Stronics overheat on the track. I've tracked, 2 Stronics, 3 Rtronics and two manual transmission R8's and every time I tracked the Stronics I had the cars go into limp because of transmission overheating. No issues with Rtronic and Manual. Not a big deal for most but I just wanted to add something that would be a great concern for me. Finally I can't believe the joy I get driving my Facelift Gated (I'm keeping this one BTW), Its not for everyone but if you are a manual lover nothing else comes close.
Cheers everyone. Enjoy your R8's

 

[Kev.]

There is a reason R tronics are so cheap and the premium on a manual Gallardo is so high.

The owner of the V8 with the dual clutch is lucky to have found one.

 

[fastspek]

There was a time when a manual R8 was standard while R-tronic was an option.
Still many more R-tronics were ordered and sold than manuals. Any explanation for that?

 

[Kev.]

There was a time when a manual R8 was standard while R-tronic was an option.
Still much more R-tronics were ordered and sold than manuals. Any explanation for that?

Because most buyers of these cars when new were 40+, boring and wanted a auto.

Its the same with 997 turbo. Most spec’d tiptronic, then pdk arrived.

Technology has moved on since then.

You only have to look at autotrader. Some r tronics have been on there for years. Same with tiptronic 997 turbos.

M3 csl gets away with smg because there wasn’t a manual option and it’s a special car.

 

[DaveL]

¨most buyers of these cars when new were 40+, boring and wanted a auto¨ good start for your first day Kev, pis***g off forum members.

 

[Kev.]

¨most buyers of these cars when new were 40+, boring and wanted a auto¨ good start for your first day Kev, pis***g off forum members.

Im 42 mate. Not boring though

The statement wasn’t meant to piss people off. That is just the demographic of most buyers (leasers) in the U.K.

Most people who bought (leased) the v8 new, or who buy a base 911 now. Do so for the image/prestige not the car. Normally financed through their company or employer.

Thats why we have so many r tronics and tiptronics In the U.K.

The dual clutch replacements are so much better. People who never would have considered a auto (myself included), prefer a good dual clutch over most manuals. The R8 gated box being a obvious exception.

Most modern cars have “stodgy” manual gearboxes.

 

[fastspek]

My point is that most R8 buyers at that time went for a R-tronic even if it was more expensive than a manual while they had the possibility to make a test drive in both cars.....
In Europe everybody is used to driving a manual so many must have found the R-tronic a better choice which has nothing to do with age imo. This doesn't mean that the manual was a bad choice but only shows that the R-tronic was considered a better option by most buyers and the same can be said about the S-tronic compared to the manual.
Since the vast maiority of R8's sold in the past were R-tronics as compared to manuals one can expect that the maiority of R8's for sale now are R-tronics.
I think my brain still functions although I am 67 yrs old

 

[Kev.]

My point is that most R8 buyers at that time went for a R-tronic even if it was more expensive than a manual while they had the possibility to make a test drive in both cars.....
In Europe everybody is used to driving a manual so many must have found the R-tronic a better choice which has nothing to do with age imo. This doesn't mean that the manual was a bad choice but only shows that the R-tronic was considered a better option by most buyers and the same can be said about the S-tronic.
Since the vast maiority of R8's sold in the past were R-tronics as compared to manuals one can expect that the maiority of R8's for sale now are R-tronics.
I think my brain still functions although I am 67 yrs old

There is no doubt the manual is better than the r tronic.

There is no doubt that the age and type of person buying dictated why more r tronics were ordered than manuals.

When the R8 was launched it attracted the same “yuppie” crowd as the 911. If driving enthusiasts were buying them, there would be more manuals.

It was the pose mobile every idiot in west London wanted to be seen in when it was launched.

 

[Uncle_Rob]

There is a reason R tronics are so cheap and the premium on a manual Gallardo is so high.

The owner of the V8 with the dual clutch is lucky to have found one.

Except R-Tronics aren't "so cheap" in the UK. There is a premium for Manual admittedly, but more r-tronics produced = more for sale. Same with the lambo, very few produced!

Strange also that the e-gear was much loved, yet people hate on the r-tronic.

There are also a good few v8 s-tronics about.

I'm struggling with you discussions.

I'm not 40's and boring. 30's and lucky!

 

[Kev.]

Except R-Tronics aren't "so cheap" in the UK. There is a premium for Manual admittedly, but more r-tronics produced = more for sale. Same with the lambo, very few produced!

Strange also that the e-gear was much loved, yet people hate on the r-tronic.

There are also a good few v8 s-tronics about.

I'm struggling with you discussions.

I'm not 40's and boring. 30's and lucky!

I had nice new cars in my 20’s. Ive just decided I’ve wasted too much money on car depreciation.

The FACT is. Most buyers of NEW R8’s are over 40. It’s not rocket science. They weren’t cheap.

Chavs can afford gen 1’s now which is why you see so many “fast and furious” monstrosities.

I had my own house built at 32. Not “lucky”. Just hard working.

R tronic, SMG etc all feel very dated now. E gear is also mostly disliked. Look at the price of a manual gallardo.

Twin clutch gearboxes are universally regarded as a massive, more reliable improvement.

That doesn’t mean some people can’t still like them or that they are bad.

 

[Kazkorp]

i laughed at the person saying they would take an rtronic over a manual or stronic

 

[dertizjos]

I guess you can have a good laugh on me then. I love the Rtronic. Enjoy the chuckles!

 

[Uncle_Rob]

I guess you can have a good laugh on me then. I love the Rtronic. Enjoy the chuckles!

Just seems to be becoming the normal on here and on facebook, lots of people insulting lots of people's cars and the people themselves. It's stopped being a community anymore.

 

[Trev450]

Just seems to be becoming the normal on here and on facebook, lots of people insulting lots of people's cars and the people themselves. It's stopped being a community anymore.

In general, we are a very friendly and non-confrontational bunch on here. Maybe it's a touch of cabin fever with Covid-19. FB is full of aggression these days and don't start me on Pistonheads.

 

[WiKKiD]

Mid 30’s so easy with that 42 crap. Lol🤪

Manual Preferred and Perfect in my mind. Shift it hard if you want or Soft. Doesn’t matter. Yeah it’s slightly slower then the autos but it feels even better

R-Tronic when tuned is very nice but lacks some refinement by far the best in my mind for the track and is a great option for people really wanting the experience as it shifts just like all my really fast race cars

S-Tronic is very fast but is horrible when tracking! It’s smooth and feels like a normal car. On the track it’s very confused! Has to do with it constantly thinking your gonna up shift when close to redline but when you slow down and downshift it messes it up and causes issues. This isn’t really specific to Audi but the type of transmissions.

 

[bgaiser1]

I grew up driving manual cars. I took my driver's test in a manual. I love manual cars. But... I gotta say, I love my R-tronic. It's fun, raw and honestly makes me giggle. Do I think it's the pinnacle of technology? Nope. Do I hate it in "Auto" mode. Yep. Do I love driving that car? Oh yes. And when you switch on "Sport" mode... It's even more aggressive. So fun!

I driven DCT cars. Or Porsche PDK cars too. Smooth. But as was mentioned, I just find the R-tronic makes me smile. It's truly a matter of opinion. But that's mine.