The new McLaren MP4-12C paddle assembly has a pivot at the center, so when one pulls on one side the other side goes down. If one pushes the LEFT, it will change up, because it is the same as pulling the right side. If one pushes the RIGHT, it will change down, like pulling the left side.

Upshift - Pull Right paddle OR Push Left paddle

Downshift - Push right paddle OR Pull Left paddle

It is a (reverse L-to-R) redundant system, not dissimilar from PAG's (directions reversed left/right).

Review: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/mosl...n-MP4-12C.html

 

Why would a supercar like this try to reinvent the wheel with no real performance advantage. I know why Porsche did it, but this car does not have a customer base to cater to as porsche did and the majority of buyers for this car will be very familiar with the normal set up of paddles. I think this is a very bad move

 

The levers themselves do work as normal, right for upshift, left for down. The paddles are simply one piece that pivots in the center (as in the F1 cars) thereby technically allowing one to push/pull either side.

Certainly not reinventing the wheel, just trying to insert a little more of their F1 gee whiz factor into their road car. It does have the added benefit I suppose of being able to drive with only one hand on the wheel if so inclined.