Driving the A6 '06 - how's it feel to you?

[Tuna]

Greetings,

After 1700 miles of driving, I'm still trying to get used to the new A6 auto in my '06. It's different and not quite what I expected. Then again, I've driven nothing buy manuals for years now.

For those of you that have '06 autos, tell my how your car feels and drives. I'm particularly interested in hearing about your "Sport" mode and "Paddle shift" mode.

For me, "Drive" feels pretty normal. In "Sport" the shifts aren't as firm as I thought they would be. Ditto for the Paddle mode.

How does yours feel and work?

 

[c4c5specialist]

Greetings,

After 1700 miles of driving, I'm still trying to get used to the new A6 auto in my '06. It's different and not quite what I expected. Then again, I've driven nothing buy manuals for years now.

For those of you that have '06 autos, tell my how your car feels and drives. I'm particularly interested in hearing about your "Sport" mode and "Paddle shift" mode.

For me, "Drive" feels pretty normal. In "Sport" the shifts aren't as firm as I thought they would be. Ditto for the Paddle mode.

How does yours feel and work?

Hi there,
Just remember, there are the 3 modes that you have talked about.
D, is for normal every day driving.
S, is for more spirited driving
S, using paddle shifts is the best and firmest shifts.

Just understand, the transmission is unlike any other transmission in the GM lineup. There are NO accumulators, so you will NOT get a bump/thunk sensation. The TCM or transmission control module, will bleed off excess presssure, instead of accumulating pressure and then applying the clutch. This means, that the shifts may NOT seem firm, but actually are applied faster than when driving easily.
This I find to be very efficient. Shift times drop about .2 over the standard Drive selection. Although, you might not feel the difference, it is there.
I am very pleased with this transmission, its just totally different from all that has been in the past with GM transmissions, other than Allison.
Your driving sensations will be much different than any other transmission.
Allthebest, c4c5

 

[Tuna]

Thanks for the feedback.

The last high performance cars I had with automatics were my Grand National Buick and a Hemi Roadrunner. So, the new A6 is quite a difference experience.

I'm working the paddle shifters more each time I drive just to get used to them. The first autocross practice session is March 18, that will be the real test of my ability to drive and paddle at the same time.