What is C6 Auto Paddle shift?

[SatansVette]

What exactly is the Auto Trans "paddle Shift" on the 2006 vettes?

 

[dogface]

Try http://forums.corvetteforum.com/sho...582&forum_id=74

 

[wishuwerehere82]

The automatics now have a paddle ( an up-down rocker lever with paddle pads) mounted on the steering wheel at fingertip control. It's great for speed shifting, since you don't have to take your hands off the wheel.

Pontiac Grand Prix has had radio controls mounted on the steering wheel for years.

 

[SatansVette]

Is using the Paddle shifting optional? Do I still have L1, L2, L3, D & OD through the gear selector to just simply put it in drive and go?

 

[bossvette]

Is using the Paddle shifting optional? Do I still have L1, L2, L3, D & OD through the gear selector to just simply put it in drive and go?

you are supposed to be able to drive it both ways, put the shifter in one position and drive like your grandmas Olds or put it in sport mode and use the paddles. sounds good to me with my knees going bad from old age

 

[wishuwerehere82]

6-Speed Paddle Shift automatic details

The new electronically controlled 6-Speed Paddle Shift automatic transmission is one of the most technologically advanced transmissions in the industry, featuring clutch to clutch operation, manual control shift operation and an integrated 32-bit electronic controller. A wide, 6.04:1 overall ratio helps deliver exciting acceleration performance along with excellent fuel economy.

The six forward gears have smaller “steps” between them, which enhances the feeling of performance and smoothness. The smaller steps also enable a steep, 4.02:1 first gear, which provides an improved-performance launch feel when compared with the previous four-speed automatic’s 3.06:1 first gear. There are two overdrive gears: a 0.85:1 ratio in fifth gear and a 0.67:1 ratio in sixth. The final drive ratio of Corvette models equipped with the new transmission is 2.56:1.

Technological sophistication is exemplified by two electronically controlled automatic modes, Drive and Sport; plus manual Paddle Shift. The Drive mode follows a specific shift schedule of predetermined shift points, while the Sport mode enables Performance Algorithm Shifting (PAS). PAS modifies shift patterns when performance driving is recognized by the controller. The Drive mode optimizes shifts for smoothness, while the Sport mode enables firmer shifts for better performance. With the Paddle Shift mode, gear changes are made with manual control paddles located on the steering wheel.

The performance and functions of the six-speed paddle shift transmission with automatic modes are guided by an integrated controller. The controller is located inside the transmission, reducing complexity. A new 300-mm torque converter, new rear bell housing, new driveline support and revised-length driveshaft also support the transmission’s integration into the Corvette.
http://www.corvettesbyrickdaniel.com/2006-CPE-VERT-PRE-ORDER-INFO.html

 

[SatansVette]

Awesome! Sounds impressive. I'll be able to try both modes out on Friday whhen I get my new coupe. Question, with advancements like this, I can't imagine the difficulty in a Z06 being equipped with this tranny. Why hasn't GM ever doing such?

 

[Gorgon]

The current 6 speed auto would not be able to handle the power developed by the Z06.

 

[Tuna]

There are 3 different modes with the new A6:

Drive
Sport/Spirited/ whatever
Paddle

The shift lever has P - R - N - D - S, that's all.
The "D" position is for cruising and best fuel ecomony. It shifts earlier and smoother and is fully automatic. The paddles are not active in this position.
The "S" position is for more spirited driving while using full automatic operation. Shifts are harded and at higher RPM.
The "S" position also activites the paddles. If you don't touch the paddles, it stays in full auto mode. However, once you use one of the paddles, it is in the paddle shift mode until you select a different position on the shift lever.

Once in paddle mode, the HUD will show the gear you are in. I'm still getting used to this mode. When I don't want the computer making upshifts or downshifts for me, I use this mode.

 

[VAROOOM]

Tuna:
So, what do you think of the paddle shift? What do you think of the speed? How does it feel? Does the downshift with automatic RPM adjustment work? work well?

I have been looking for a review of this transmission but, if you don't mind, a review by an owner has got to be the best.

 

[o2bnkc]

When it's in the paddleshift mode, doesn't it automatically downshift when you slow down? I drove one last year and I remember it working like that.

 

[Tuna]

Tuna:
So, what do you think of the paddle shift? What do you think of the speed? How does it feel? Does the downshift with automatic RPM adjustment work? work well?

I have been looking for a review of this transmission but, if you don't mind, a review by an owner has got to be the best.

After 2800 miles, I'm still getting used to it. Daily driving and paddle shifting are not very compatible. Unlike a stick shift, where I can hold a gear then skip gears, the paddle auto doesn't skip gears. I've got too much time in stick shifts to be comfortable with the paddle use yet. I need to get it to an autocross event and see how it works there.

I was hoping that the paddle mode would be more instantaneous but it is not. Upshifts react slightly after pressing the "+" lever. Down shifts are quicker but not instantaneous. The RPM matching seems to work pretty well - no wheel hop but you still get engine braking. It will not allow a downshift if the next lower gear would put the RPM above the redline.

Generally, I drive in "S" w/o paddle activity. Sometimes, I really want a specific gear for a turn and then I use the paddles to select it.

I really need to spend a weekend with it working it hard to get a better feel for how and when to use the paddles.

 

[Tuna]

When it's in the paddleshift mode, doesn't it automatically downshift when you slow down? I drove one last year and I remember it working like that.

In paddle mode, it will automatically down shift as the RPM drops below the minimum allowable range for the gear but never below 2nd gear. So, if you spin out during an autocross, it will be in second gear when the car gets stopped and you can drive off.

In paddle mode, it never upshifts.

 

[Tuna]

I worked the paddles hard yesterday after work and learned a couple of things:
1. First gear goes by fast and you better be ready to shift.
2. Press that upshift lever early as the delay in shifting may take it to the rev limiter before it shifts - not exactly the best for performance.

I found that hitting the upshift lever at 5K in first allowed it to shift between 5500 and 5700 and this produced a pretty firm shift. If it shifted after that, the shift seemed a little softer.
Ditto for second to third.

BTW, leaving it in "S" and just letting it do the shifting resulted in softer shifts around 6k.