Manuals are faster?

[selil]

It would be really interesting to see how far apart the gears are and how large the variation of gearing is between first and sixth on the auto (My SM465 blows away an NV4500 for span). I still like metal to metal without the fluid in my drive train, but can understand and appreciate constant velocity transmissions and high performance automatics.

I'm going to likely put a 5.7L or 5.3L in my Jeep and keep my SM465 behind it simply because off road I like the crawl ratios. In my sports cars I like a few more gears and closer ratios.

[MerF]

Originally Posted by Dragoneye

Sorry to throw a wrench in the gears here(no pun intended), but GM has changed the Manual VS Auto argument with their 6L80 paddle shifter tranny...

I plan on getting this, though only time will tell. But with the 6L80, you get the best, if not better of both worlds. When you want it, you get the convience and easy-shifting of an Auto. But when you need it, you click into Sport/paddle mode and tap your way past the manuals. Because you get control over when you shift without the time it takes a manual to shift from, say 2nd to 3rd.
I'll try to takle the corner/power issue, too. When in sport mode, the tranny will not upshift to overdrive while cruising, so you get the power you need for coming out of corners. And won't downshift for you unless in danger of stalling...

Odd 6L80 facts in my head:


6L80 is GM's newest 6 speed Automatic transmission, with versatile options including rear-mounting ability with no massive changes, driver shift selection(paddle), and more.
It will last longer than average Autos due to a clutch to clutch operation.
It is built for power with forged innards
Paddle mode gives driver complete control over shifting. Only if danger zones are reached due to driver incompetence, will the tranny shift itself: over-revving, or stalling out.
2007 gets quicker shift response time with the paddles
First gear is a severly steep 4(or so):1 for outstanding off-the-line speed.
2 overdrive gears
6th is .6:1 for amazing top speed potential Vette can cruise 80+ at 2000 rpm's

don't get the idea that I hate manuals, I respect them, A LOT. I've just never driven one, so I don't have the experience to really know what their like (inconvience, performance, etc.) I know what they can do on paper...and this 6L80 blows me away...on paper.

Good find. That is interesting for sure. It's not enough to convince me I'd take an auto over a manual though. But if there are more than an occasional article saying the paddle-shifted car is faster than the rest...well...that's different.

[AFSNightrod]

From basically everything I've read a paddle shift setup is way faster than a human shifting a manual ever could be. I'm on the fence myself on what to get, but if a paddle shift 6L80E is offered I will definitely buy that.

[AirGoya]

When paddle shifting is avaliable, is it an extra option or is a feature that comes with when you get an automatic? I ask becuase of cost

[beerman985]

my grand dad has a bmw with paddle shifter and i was an extra and thats all i can say at this time so i may be like that

[AFSNightrod]

I'm not 100% certain, but I think you can get it optional on the automatic C6, with it being standard on the automatic C6 Z06. Automatics in general cost extra over a manual transmission. It's still extremely new with the American automakers, so we will have to see where it goes. Regardless the paddle shift setup is basically garunteed to cost extra over a manual. I've never heard of a BMW with a paddle shift setup. Z8 maybe?

[JWz28]

Originally Posted by AFSNightrod

with it being standard on the automatic C6 Z06.

Not to nit pick, but there is no such thing as a Z06, be it C5 or C6, that has an auto tranny from the factory. All are built by the General as 6 speed stick manuals.

It is an option on the base C6 Vette. Have a friend who just got one, but have not have a chance to drive it...yet.


JWz28.

[Mr. Wyndham]

Originally Posted by JWz28

Not to nit pick, but there is no such thing as a Z06, be it C5 or C6, that has an auto tranny from the factory. All are built by the General as 6 speed stick manuals.
JWz28.

Right, and a 6-speed automatic is an option on the coupe and vert C6's, not Z06 (those Auto trannys can't handle that kind of power). Paddle shifters are standard on the Automatic option - as is "sport mode".

The paddles on the earlier C6's weren't all that great, but this year GM has fixed that, and from what I've heard they are greatly improved.

As for what I get - I, too am on the fence, and must reserve judgement untill I drive both standard and paddle. But I CAN guarantee this - I'll be ecstatic with either choice!

[AFSNightrod]

I stand corrected. You guys are right. There is no auto Z06. They only come in manual, and have lots of problems with sticking clutch pedals. It is to the point that people are changing the fluid out once a month. Also the 6L80E apparently shifts faster, but is overall slower due to more parasitic loss from the transmission itself. There is rumors of the paddle shifted 6L80E being tested in a Z06, but nothing official on production or even testing. I found a pretty good thread about it on a Corvette forum. Here's the link:

http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/...ad.php?t=93791

[AFSNightrod]

I also learned that some of the M cars from BMW do have a paddle shifted tranny, but it is not an automatic. It is actually a paddle shifted manual. I didn't read too much into it, but this tranny is supposed to be awesome. Like all awesome performing stuff though, it is also expensive. Porsche is supposed to be releasing one in the next year or two, and Audi apparently has one. It is mentioned in the thread I posted above.

[selil]

Mitsubishi put's paddle shifters on the Lancer too.

[Mr. Wyndham]

Parasitic loss or not, and keep in mind I love manuals, too. The 6L80 series is freaking awsome!

[SoFlaZ]

No matter how much the auto may be improved, i will have to stick with a manual unless it is a REAL paddle shifted manual with computerized dual clutch crap. I used to valet park at a polo club and i drove many many cars with the "tiptronic" or paddle shifters and ALL OF THEM took atleast 2 seconds to shift except for the maserati with a real setup! But long story short whenever they make an auto you can shift from the factory, it is all tuned to shift when its "safe" for itself so you wont break things. Maserati FTW lol

[Mindz]

Originally Posted by SoFlaZ

No matter how much the auto may be improved, i will have to stick with a manual unless it is a REAL paddle shifted manual with computerized dual clutch crap. I used to valet park at a polo club and i drove many many cars with the "tiptronic" or paddle shifters and ALL OF THEM took atleast 2 seconds to shift except for the maserati with a real setup! But long story short whenever they make an auto you can shift from the factory, it is all tuned to shift when its "safe" for itself so you wont break things. Maserati FTW lol

A family member of mine owns a parking company in SF and I've been parking cars for the opera house/symphony and federal building since I was 12 years old. I still do it on occasion if I feel like waking up to get to work at 6:30 am.

The only true paddle shifters that I've parked/driven were a Maserati and the Ferrari's. The Ferrari's is responsive as hell and feels like it's waiting for you to hit the button so it can shit. It wants to be driven the way you want to drive it. If the General can get anywhere close to that feeling, I will most definately buy a paddle if it's offered. Otherwise, it's slamming (while still under warranty) second and third for me.