Driving the a8 in manual mode and slowing down? - Page 3

Indyblue98 · 02-09-2019, 06:53 PM

When coming to a full stop , I let the computer do the work of picking when to downshift.
First car I had with the manual mode Automatic , 2007 STS-V,
not reading the owners manual , I assumed manual meant I was in control both up and down.
Almost ate the steering wheel when slowing and hit the downshift about the same time as the computer, went to 1st gear and about 4500rpm.

PnCRedJwl2SS · 02-09-2019, 08:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dperrone

I feel like everyone here has completely missed out on the question. Im not asking how to slow down USING the transmission.

Im asking if you slow down using the brakes, should you ALSO downshift, or just let it downshift for you? and any advantage/disadvantage?

Of course, use brakes as needed while downshifting! Dee my earlier post about using a combination of brakes and downshifting. I didn't specifically say that I do both simultaneously, but that's what I meant.

sf70h · 02-09-2019, 09:52 PM

Like my other post ... keep downshifting to keep the revs around 2.5 - 3.5k; if you need additional stopping force work in the brake pedal as well. Sometimes no brake is needed, especially if you catch a light, or are taking a turn. It's all about feel. Welcome to a tiny tiny taste of race car driving!

mdhopt36 · 02-10-2019, 07:44 AM

"Want to slow down fast? Just put it in manual mode and hold the down shift paddle for over a second..."

Yup, did that -ONCE-. Wifey went from zero to BITCH in half a second !!!

Quix · 02-10-2019, 09:43 AM

I only use the manual mode when I want the car in a lower gear when I'm blasting past someone.

For slowing down, it's better to use the brakes than the transmission. Brake pads are cheap and easy to change.

Norm Peterson · 02-10-2019, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dperrone

I feel like everyone here has completely missed out on the question. Im not asking how to slow down USING the transmission.

Im asking if you slow down using the brakes, should you ALSO downshift, or just let it downshift for you? and any advantage/disadvantage?

Do you want the transmission to already be in the most appropriate gear for the upcoming conditions (which includes your state of mind) before you get there? Or do you want the transmission to make its best guess in reaction to what you do with the throttle a bit later? Predictive or reactive?

Simple illustration - would you want the transmission to already be in a lower gear before entering a tight highway on-ramp . . . or react with a downshift only on the way out of it?

Norm

Need4Camaro · 02-10-2019, 05:46 PM

For me it depends.

I'd say I manually downshift about 20% of the times I brake and its usually not because of a stop light but an unexpected situation such as someone pulling out right infront of me, merging into my lane or the light literally turns red as Im approaching it and I know I won't clear it and need to stop FAST.

Otherwise I just let the transmission do its thing. The Brembo's on these cars are more than strong enough to stop you even in an emergency. The downshifting just adds a bit of efficiency behind it.

mdhopt36 · 02-11-2019, 04:51 AM

Depending how much the brakes are used, mine downshifts by itself; and seems very appropriate to typical traffic conditions.
.......unless the urge to 'cut up" hits you, I don't really think it's a need to worry about most times.

Bluecyclone · 02-11-2019, 06:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Homer2

they gave us paddles.. working both directions.. use 'em.

I use manual mode almost constantly.. normally downshift as I come to stops. 105,000 miles like that and I have no issues.

^This is what I do with my 6R80 and am at 48,750 miles. Thank you F1 racing!
Paddling has really improved my "auto" experience. I enjoy the twisty's and they are great there. When I light to light, I use them as well. I'm addicted!

Norm Peterson · 02-11-2019, 06:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bluecyclone

^This is what I do with my 6R80 and am at 48,750 miles. Thank you F1 racing!
Paddling has really improved my "auto" experience.

I absolutely get this.

Though after almost 50 years of owning only MT cars I've found reaching for a +/- gate at the shift lever to be a much more "natural" motion than squeezing at a paddle. Even though it takes more time, or maybe because it does

Norm

PnCRedJwl2SS · 02-11-2019, 03:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Norm Peterson

I absolutely get this.

Though after almost 50 years of owning only MT cars I've found reaching for a +/- gate at the shift lever to be a much more "natural" motion than squeezing at a paddle. Even though it takes more time, or maybe because it does

Norm

Exactly! Shifter > paddles!

02-09-2019, 06:53 PM	#29
Indyblue98 2012 RS 2ss Drives: 2018 ZL1 2012 2SS WhippleCharged Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Kansas Posts: 414	When coming to a full stop , I let the computer do the work of picking when to downshift. First car I had with the manual mode Automatic , 2007 STS-V, not reading the owners manual , I assumed manual meant I was in control both up and down. Almost ate the steering wheel when slowing and hit the downshift about the same time as the computer, went to 1st gear and about 4500rpm. __________________ 2018 ZL1 A10 and 2012 2SS RS Whipple-Corsa-RotoFab-ZL1 Diff 3.73 Pfadt ZL Stage 3 Suspension+

02-09-2019, 09:52 PM	#31
sf70h Drives: 17' 2SS Camaro A8 Vert NPP Join Date: May 2017 Location: Virginia Posts: 43	Like my other post ... keep downshifting to keep the revs around 2.5 - 3.5k; if you need additional stopping force work in the brake pedal as well. Sometimes no brake is needed, especially if you catch a light, or are taking a turn. It's all about feel. Welcome to a tiny tiny taste of race car driving!

02-10-2019, 07:44 AM	#32
mdhopt36 Drives: '17- 1ag37 V6 traded, for 1SS 2018! Join Date: Mar 2018 Location: MA Posts: 469	"Want to slow down fast? Just put it in manual mode and hold the down shift paddle for over a second..." Yup, did that -ONCE-. Wifey went from zero to BITCH in half a second !!!

02-10-2019, 09:43 AM	#33
Quix Drives: 2016 2LT V6 Garnet Red Join Date: Feb 2017 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 106	I only use the manual mode when I want the car in a lower gear when I'm blasting past someone. For slowing down, it's better to use the brakes than the transmission. Brake pads are cheap and easy to change.

02-10-2019, 05:46 PM	#35
Need4Camaro Drives: '17 Camaro 2SS & '99 Camaro Z28 Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 1,836	For me it depends. I'd say I manually downshift about 20% of the times I brake and its usually not because of a stop light but an unexpected situation such as someone pulling out right infront of me, merging into my lane or the light literally turns red as Im approaching it and I know I won't clear it and need to stop FAST. Otherwise I just let the transmission do its thing. The Brembo's on these cars are more than strong enough to stop you even in an emergency. The downshifting just adds a bit of efficiency behind it.

02-11-2019, 04:51 AM	#36
mdhopt36 Drives: '17- 1ag37 V6 traded, for 1SS 2018! Join Date: Mar 2018 Location: MA Posts: 469	Depending how much the brakes are used, mine downshifts by itself; and seems very appropriate to typical traffic conditions. .......unless the urge to 'cut up" hits you, I don't really think it's a need to worry about most times.

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