JLoft

hevnsnt

stupid question, I have never had a paddle shifted auto before (coming from a Honda Pilot). When I am in manual mode, is it ok for me to downshift / engine brake as if I were in a manual gearbox?

mmeads

If you wanted an OEM solution, the RS3 paddles can be swapped into the S5 steering wheel. They are a little larger but still mostly plastic. MSRP is around $350 I believe. I'm considering the option.

superswiss

Yes, it is. However, not all paddle shift boxes are created equal. The two primary types you find today are dual-clutch transmissions and traditional torque converter automatics that allow you to shift manually. The former feels very much like a manual transmission w/o a clutch pedal. Because mechanically a dual-clutch transmission is two manual transmissions mated at the shaft. IMO, you will actually enjoy dual clutch transmissions the most if you drive them like a manual transmission. The torque converter automatics with manual mode on the other hand feel different and may not give you the engine braking you are used. As opposed to a manual transmission and a dual clutch transmission, there are times where there is no solid connection between the engine and the drivetrain. Most modern torque converters lock via a clutch once the engine speed matches the transmission speed, but during shifts and when starting from a stop you have fluid coupling. In addition newer cars like the S4/5 have what's called freewheeling. If you are coasting and take the foot off the throttle, it decouples the drivetrain from the engine to save fuel. So instead of engine braking, the car keeps "sailing" under its own momentum. Often the "sailing" is only active in Comfort mode, or Auto mode and is disabled once you activate the Sport mode. On the other end of the spectrum the implementations found in RS/R8 models also have what's often referred to as true manual mode, which means if you hit redline in manual mode it'll bounce off the rev limiter just like a traditional manual transmission, however, it won't let you make a money shift or it will automatically downshift if you let the revs drop too low to avoid lugging or stalling the engine.