I was just wondering how well the paddle shifters on the Automatic RX-8 work. Are the shifts smooth? And how often do you drive in manual mode? Any insight is appreciated. Thanks.

 

Yep, I used the paddle a lot yesterday. Once you get used to it, it shifts very smoothly. I used it with fun on twisty road going up the mountains yesterday. I had to downshift a lot with the paddle when the roads were steep up the mountain. I also experimented on using it for cruising. I noticed that when you step on the gas, the auto tranny can take a while to shift from 3rd to 4th gear. So, I manually shift it up to the 4th. I love the fact that you can shift without a clutch and your totally focused on the road.

 

I'm ALWAYS in manual mode. I tried auto mode to see if it improved my gas mileage; it didn't. I personally think the shifts are "faster" with the stick versus the paddles. I just notice a hesitation with the paddles compared to the stick.

 

That just sounds wierd to me. I need a clutch and the ability to revmatch in order for me to drive properly. Otherwise I'd probably explode or catch herpes or something.

 

The paddles are neat.

In 'M' mode the shifts are completely up to you but there is a discernable lag between paddle pulling/pushing & actually shift time. I mean in terms of lapsed time between when you pull the upshift paddle & the shift actually occurring.

When I'm WOT & I hear the redline chime, I would shift the paddle and/or stick & I would slightly over-rev the engine. Kinda annoying but innocuous otherwise.

 

I mostly use the stick in M mode. For one thing it's nearly impossible to hit the paddles when you're banking into a tight turn at 50 mph. Likewise when you're doing a typical turn around a corner. I haven't noticed any extra lag when using the paddles compared to the stick...they both take about 1.5 seconds or so to shift. Clearly noticeable when, as sjt says, the revs tend to continue on upward even after you shift up. You definitely don't want to wait until the absolute point of no return if you're taking it up to redline before shifting.

 

1.5 seconds to shift a stick is very slow. 0.5 seconds sounds more like it for a seasoned manual driver. Unless you're driving very leisurely.

 

yeah but he's talking about the AT, not the MT..... i'd say he's about right, around a second to notice the shift

nobody is comparing AT to MT here......

 

Sorry my bad. I did not realise that by referring to the stick he meant the auto gear stick. Now I know that Stick can also mean automatic gear lever.