Transmissions...?

[Mr. Wyndham]

Supposedly, GM ampped up the response time on this years tranny. The only time the machine will prevent you from shifting, is if you're at, like, 6000k and accidentally downshift...:eek: Other than that, you have complete control.

But Agreed, it'll never be quicker than a DCT, the engineering just doesn't permit it.

[stovt001]

Interesting stuff ^

So of course, if they really refine the heck out of the automatic, and make it the fastest shifting, smoothest, most reliable, most efficient automatic out there (which is the way it seems to be headed) then I'll definitely consider it. Bottom line, it doesn't matter exactly how it works, as long as it works well. I am tolerant of all views on transmissions. After all They seem practically like religious views at some times with car guys.

[The_Stache]

Has anyone ever driven one of the paddle shift corvettes?

I thought that when it was in paddle shift mode it stayed in the gear you selected until you change it.. (ie your in 3rd you tell it to shift to 2nd and it stays in second even if you redline it..)

but stovt001 you make it sound like its just a momentary shift..

PS I know you have to put it in paddle mode to use the paddles btw..

Edit - PPS - Nothing but a manual for me anyway, first couple of cars i had where manuals and love it.. then got stuck with an auto for 3 years and HATED EVERY MINUTE OF IT.. now back to a manual and staying.

[Mr. Wyndham]

I haven't actually driven one, but I spent an excessive amount of time on Corvette forums learning about it

In "D": works like any old automatic. 'cept it's considered "economy mode":p

In "S": also works like any auto. 'cept it's now in "sport" or "performance algorithim shifting" mode where the computer doesn't let it upshift when you let off the pedal, like a traditional auto would do. instead the computer trys to discern how you're driving, and matches shifts for optimum performance. I don't think the newer one's do this anymore (not sure on that, though.)

In "S" mode, you press a paddle, or thumb-button, and it turns over to complete manual control. where you put it, it will stay. from 0 all the way to redline, where the fuel cutoff will kick in, like any traditional manual car. to go from say, 2 to...4. You just press either of the thumb buttons twice in a row.

I quote from a forum, "How quick can I shift down into 3rd from 6th at 2K rpms?"
reply, "As fast as you can press the paddles 3 times."

The only instance where the computer won't let you shift is if you're going to drop the engine down a gear and you're risking over-revving on immediate entry into that gear...like from 3rd @ 6000 to 2nd....

To put it back into auto, you move the shifter back into 'D'. or if you want it to be 'S' auto...go to 'D', then back into 'S'...

hope that's what you were looking for, D.

[The_Stache]

Absolutely thats what I was wondering about.. makes a nice combo of the two.. sort of a compromise... Im still a manual guy though.

[stovt001]

Sounds good. Most true automatics with manual shift modes (like the Corvette setup) will only take gear selection as a suggestion, so it will upshift on its own when it thinks you've had enough revs and sometimes even downshift on its own. It might not shift at all, or take a while to shift. That's what I mean by you simply give the computer your input on what you want but it makes the final decision. Now the good ones will take your input as gospel, letting you bounce off the redline and only disallowing a downshift if as Dragon said your RPMs are too high to safely enter it. If that indeed is how GM's manually shiftable automatic works, then . Dual clutch and automatic clutch manuals tend to perform even better, but it sounds like GM has a serious performance automatic there.

Now I know the manual tranny faithful will not like the sound of this, but a lot of companies just don't care about making a good manual transmission anymore. Edmunds' editors are true car guys and love their manual trannies, but in their Long Term Infiniti G35 they hate the clutch, shifter, and transmission. They prefer the automatic transmission in this particular car, as it actually performs better. Now current examples lead me to believe GM will have both excellent manual and automatic transmissions for this car, but we can no longer assume that all manuals are better than automatics. Sadly, some automakers have dropped the ball when it comes to making decent manaul transmissions.

[Mr. Wyndham]

I repeat: I'll probably get a stick...but a bit more info ...

The first editions of this tranny weren't the greatest. The shifts took some time to achieve, and the early C6 owners aren't too pleased with their auto.
GM suposedly 'upgraded' their shift calibrations, which means that the auto now follows the manual by .1 seconds to 60.

Calling them as I hear them.

[JanitorJay]

I will be getting the manual transmission and hoping that it will have the "no lift" like the new turbocharged cobalt

[stovt001]

^ that would be nice. I wonder if they can do that with this much power. I mean the Cobalt SS has "only" 260 hp to handle. We're looking at anywhere from 350 to 500+ it seems like.

[Scotsman]

I'm auto no matter what the end result is in the final packging of the auto going into the 5th gen Cam. However, I'll be sorely disappointed if paddle shifters aren't included, as this is something even the Vette has (would only make sense that the Camaro gets it too).

As for the difference between DSG and conventional, paddle shfit oriented gearboxes, it's noticeable but negligible. What matters most is that you have shift times that are prompt and expected. I drove the new CTS w/ the 6L80 auto and it works smoothly and seamlessly, even in "Manual" mode.

[stovt001]

Considering the new Malibu has paddle shifters, I can say with confidence that autos will come with paddle shifters. The new CTS doesn't have them yet, but that is just one year out, or so I hear.

[WillInThe04Ranger]

Paddles would be nice for someone with a disability ... like me lol

[Mr. Wyndham]

Originally Posted by stovt001

Considering the new Malibu has paddle shifters, I can say with confidence that autos will come with paddle shifters. The new CTS doesn't have them yet, but that is just one year out, or so I hear.

It does, actually....the thing is, that GM doesn't call them all paddle shifters, cause they're not - it makes sense.

The official term, is Driver Shift Control (or something like that). It comes in all diff. shapes and sizes: Corvette has paddles, Malibu looks like it's coming with paddles, CTS, has "tap-up, tap-down" style shifter, and the Trucks that use the 6L80 (or some variant) have a unique dual-button on the shift stalk; two arrows(up and down). They all do the exact same thing, except, GM uses the paddles on vehicles like Corvette, so you never have to take your hands off the wheel while 'racing'. Making it feel more sporty.

[Jay]

I dunno... nothing like roaring through gears for myself.... there just isn't anything out there that can replicate a manual transmission's feel. Only thing I like auto is in a truck/suv or a high end luxury car that I can never afford, lol.