Question for PDK owners...
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Question for PDK owners...
Question for PDK owners who use their car as daily drivers, not for the track...
Does anyone else drive primarily in manual mode, but use the SHIFTER instead of the buttons/paddles? I find myself doing this, driving the car like a manual... I have the buttons (2009), not the paddles, but I always seem to go back to manual shifting by the gear shifter the vast majority of the time. (Btw, I am competent in using the buttons, which are particularly good for one-handed use...)
I've thought about changing out my steering wheel to get the paddles, since I read how great they are, but will I waste my money? I mean, will I, in the end, revert back to my current pattern anyway? Or, alternatively, would I perhaps develop a preference for using the paddles, one that I didn't with the buttons?
Just curious if anyone else like me still shifts his pdk car like a manual....
Does anyone else drive primarily in manual mode, but use the SHIFTER instead of the buttons/paddles? I find myself doing this, driving the car like a manual... I have the buttons (2009), not the paddles, but I always seem to go back to manual shifting by the gear shifter the vast majority of the time. (Btw, I am competent in using the buttons, which are particularly good for one-handed use...)
I've thought about changing out my steering wheel to get the paddles, since I read how great they are, but will I waste my money? I mean, will I, in the end, revert back to my current pattern anyway? Or, alternatively, would I perhaps develop a preference for using the paddles, one that I didn't with the buttons?
Just curious if anyone else like me still shifts his pdk car like a manual....
Last edited by hockeyguy4u; Jul 17, 2011 at 03:49 PM.
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I almost exclusively use the automatic modes. I figure the computer is smarter than I am. Most often 'sport' mode, but with PASM set to 'normal'.
On the track, it's 'sport plus' and hang on!
On the track, it's 'sport plus' and hang on!
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Virtually 100% in auto. I have SPASM and chrono plus in my GTS. Car is in non-sport and "regular" suspension setting 100% of the time on the street - 100% "sport plus" and "sport" suspension on the track. On AX course I tend to run it in non-sport since "sport" makes the throttle too sensitive to modulate. SPASM at AX is non-sport or sport, depending on how bumpy the track is.
My first exposure to PDK was at PSDS in 2009. The instructors there said "try it in manual, try it in automatic. You'll see how good the PDK is and you'll end up just leaving it in automatic all the time, like we do." They were right.
About the only time I leave automatic is on a two lane road, when I'm anticipating a pass, and downshift manually to be ready.
DMoore
'11 GTS with PDK
'10 Panamera 4S (With PDK, natch)
My first exposure to PDK was at PSDS in 2009. The instructors there said "try it in manual, try it in automatic. You'll see how good the PDK is and you'll end up just leaving it in automatic all the time, like we do." They were right.
About the only time I leave automatic is on a two lane road, when I'm anticipating a pass, and downshift manually to be ready.
DMoore
'11 GTS with PDK
'10 Panamera 4S (With PDK, natch)
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...still nobody has as voiced an opinion as to my original question, of whether or not to get a new steering wheels with paddles, especially in regards to my driving patterns...
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DMoore
'11 GTS
'10 Panamera 4S
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With both of my PDK-equipped cars, the first thing I did was to replace the button wheel with a paddle wheel. Much more intuitive, the steering wheel looks better to me, and is a bit thicker. Also the same configuration as my Audi, so it's less confusing for this old guy.
Only one thing to remember - right for up, left for down - no matter which car I'm in.
The old confusing button thing:
The new and improved paddle version:
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I drive in auto mode, and override manual mostly to downshift when setting up for a pass...every once in a while I'll have days when I decide to drive manual just for kicks. Change to Sport mode on highways and toll roads.
Tried using the shifter for a while, but after PSDS I prefer to drive with both hands on the wheel, so why not use the buttons at that point.
Wish there was an OEM paddle wheel that was also multi-function...I find myself liking the m/f for phone use.
Tried using the shifter for a while, but after PSDS I prefer to drive with both hands on the wheel, so why not use the buttons at that point.
Wish there was an OEM paddle wheel that was also multi-function...I find myself liking the m/f for phone use.
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I had the buttons , prefer the paddles , and I do use the lever especially if shifting 1st to 2nd making a turn off a stop sign in slow driving . Wheher paddles or buttons a turning steering wheel is moving whereas the lever is stationary and i find that shift easier for those times.
I rarely if ever use auto mode . I can't stand it.
I rarely if ever use auto mode . I can't stand it.
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Totally hijacked! 
You should add a poll!
I use the lever. It's bad enough that my left foot isn't resting on a clutch, so at least my right hand can be where it should be - feels a tad more involved I guess?
I've got the multi function with buttons, but even if I had the paddles I'd still be using the lever. The thing I like about the button is that you can drive single handed and upshift/downshift without having to move your hands at all.
You should add a poll!I use the lever. It's bad enough that my left foot isn't resting on a clutch, so at least my right hand can be where it should be - feels a tad more involved I guess?
I've got the multi function with buttons, but even if I had the paddles I'd still be using the lever. The thing I like about the button is that you can drive single handed and upshift/downshift without having to move your hands at all.