self imposed exile

Are the "paddles" associated with the tiptronic on the steering wheel itself (more like toggles) or are they on the steering column (more like DSG on the 3.2 TT)? TIA

sayemthree

steering wheel stalk - behind the wheel - unlike the Cayenne I drove - the Cayenn are on the steering wheel itself like the horn button - on the P I feel they are awkward to reach when turning.
what I dont know is if the S4 paddles turn with the wheel as on the SMG

MajorDzaster

On the column, if I remember correctly. Mine has the multi-function steering wheel, so it doesn't have the paddle shifters. I feel more comfortable shifting with the floor shifter anyway.

2 good 2 be true

but holds the RPMs, if you let go off the gas. What I mean is if you are at like 6K rpms, and just let go off the gas, the car stays in gear and the RPMs fall gradually making a thunderous V8 sound (instead of shifting into the next gear automatically to save gas.)

dgrays4

they can be difficult to use as a result when turning hard.

JSM3S4

in a turn?

S4SpdWgn

The paddles are behing the steering wheel, operated with your fingers and do turn with the wheel. The only time they feel out of position is when you are starting in first gear and making an immediate turn (stop sign/light).
You can also operate the tip in manual mode from the shift lever in the center console by pushing the lever forward or backward. As a former manual only driver I can't seem to keep my had off the shift lever and use it almost as much as the paddles.

s4jones

This is a tricky thing. I try to only use the paddles as much as possible in the Avant (or pure auto mode). I also have a SVT Focus 6-speed manual which I plan to use as a track car. The confusing thing about switching back and forth from manual to tip lever shifting it that the tip is totally different from the manual process. Always forward for up and always back for down, versus (for me the more natural process of) rowing through the gears in the SVT Focus. I've found myself trying to row the tip a couple of times. It's not life threatening, but I definitely don't want to think about this while I'm on the road course at Pacific Raceways.

In any event, with the Audi, I'm learning to either stay in drive or live with whatever gear I'm in under very low-speed turning conditions. I'm tempted to shift but paddle shifting in the middle of big low speed turn is problematic.

dbex

My understanding is that they're paddles like on the 3.2 DSG, and thus turn w/the wheel. Might be different for the multi-function wheel, though.

Sure would be a nice weekend for a drop-top... ;P

sayemthree

thats always bothered me with manumatics. even the BMW will shift for you. exxcept SMG - SMG will hold the gear until the driver decides...not the computer.