Non exotic cars with decent paddle shift?

I'v driven an S5 with DSG, great system. Audi claims a gearchange takes just 200ms.

 

I wasn't aware you could get an Evo in an automatic; however the regular Lancer (GTS) comes with "Magnesium paddle shifters".

I did some research a couple years ago when my best friend was considering one... the most embarrassing thing is that they have the nerve to stick a manumatic box on a CVT and then make it even worse by putting paddles on it.

Pointless, but those cars were nice looking when new.

 

My GS400 has flappy "buttons" - not all that great though...

 

So I've test driven all three. The 370 is fundamentally different, as it has a clutch pedal, and the attendant involvement/skill that comes from that. The rev-match feature is very cool, but IIRC works only on downshifts, not upshifts.

The Evo MR was too turbo laggy for me, though I thought the DSG worked reasonably well. I just returned from my second test drive in a GTi. I like it. DSG works well. It is a slightly slow off the line, but otherwise good. I'm thinking a downpipe and software and it would be good.

 

Do these transmissions all kick down if you floor it in a high gear?

That's the differentiator for me-- the Ferrari doesn't do that, except in auto mode.

 

I just thought about the R32's there may actually be some new 08's left on the lots.

3.2L VR6 and AWD, everything else is the same as the GTI.

However the trade off is weight and tuneability the GTI can get more HP easily than the R32, but lacks AWD. The GTI is also lighter weight.


GTI + chip + down pipe + wheels and tires + coil overs = awesome.

 

You guys actually got the Mk V R32 in the US?!

I'd be sold.

That being said, the 370Z is an amazing car. I drove one and that rev-matching downshift thing is pretty cool

 

yes, but in 2-door version only (I think that's all that was offered, anywhere...)

If they made a 4-door R32 I'd own one.

 

In Europe you could get a 4 door with true manual transmission too.

I agree if they made a 4 door here I would have gotten one, although a chipped GTI is faster for much less.

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2254471.htm

 

Wet clutch (SL63,E63,2011 S/CL63) is pretty good,quick,with blip on downshift and very smooth otherwise.

 

huh, I didn't know that. bummer

the appeal of the 4 door R32 is it has SUV capabilities (with the right tires) without the size, weight, and crap handling dynamics.

 

If the 'semi-automatic' transmission in the smart car is any indication, those paddle shifters are going to be absolute crap.

 

Just brought home an '11 GTi with a DSG. So far, I likey.

S

 

GTI R coming in 2012. 266hp 2.0 turbo with all wheel drive (Quattro).

But no DSG supposedly.

 

just got a new 2012 VW Jetta GLI, unreal tranny, with paddel shift, fun car to drive!!

 

I like the paddles on my Audi S5 Cab with a dual clutch trans

 

Try to spring for the m3 DCT, so smooth.
Although even the SMG III in my M5 is a blast to drive.
In aggressive mode the shifts thrust you back into the seat...kind of fun.
You don't want to lose too much of the fun of driving to electronics.

 

I am trying to find exotic cars without paddles and this gentleman is trying to find one with them. Just proves I am getting old

Alot of cars have paddle shifters that are linked with the automatic tansmission. I think what you really want is the paddle shifters with a dry clutch. Which is why the Lambo and Ferrari transmissions in part are so fast. On the 458 dual cltuch is another reason. I do not think there is, to answer your question direcly.

Although I have a Turbo Porsche mine is manual, It has been 2 years or so since I have driven a new Porsche Tiptronic. They shift very fast and maybe what you are looking for. The Audi 8 with a V10 Lambo engine is an awesome car. I drove it a few months ago mostly with a manual. I did take a short drive with their automatic, while good not what I think you are looking for. But you may want to check it out!

Nissan makes a less expensive super car with a race enhanced transmission. I never drove one and in my view not swoppy like most super cars but it has had good reports from people on the handling and power. This might be what you want

Good luck finding what you want.

Lee

 

Second generation SMART car.....2008+......dry clutch with actuator just like Ferrari, even blips on high RPM downshifts.

 

marK;
i would have agreed with this 8 months ago.
unfortunately, after my '09 sl63 got 10K miles on the odometer, the behavior of the clutch changed for the worse.
now, when the car moves forward from a dead stop, there is a jerk as the car goes into gear.
curiously, when the engine is warmed up, the jerk disappears.
this problem has been reported on other mb's with the same tranny.

 

You can get an Infiniti G model with the paddles. You have to get the "S" version but the system works pretty well. It's one of the fastest non exotic boxes I've tried so far.

 

My wife's 2012 Camry SE has them, but I am not sure they do anything. It is a Camry after all.

BT

 

Depends on whether you regard Porsche as exotic, but the PDK is reportedly much better than the Tiptronic. (I owned a Tiptronic 993 -- haven't yet driven a PDK-equipped Porsche.)