Paddle shifters are a new concept to me in a daily driver.

I thought you just let an automatic transmission shift for you. What are the paddle shifters for? Is there a benefit of having them? Is it more expensive to maintain?

Thanks.

 

It technically is an automatic transmission, so there usually isn't a performance advantage with respect to forward acceleration.

But some people like to control which gear they are in themselves. I personally think its helpful to control which gear you are in when going down curvy mountain roads; so that way you can gear down instead of roasting the brakes.

Manumatics do not require more maintenance than any other auto, and they are just as reliable as a regular auto.

 

speaking of transmissions anyone hear a part number on this 5 speed AT yet? Still curious if it came from the Civic parts bin...

 

Think triptronic. The paddle shifters allow you to control which gear you want to be in. Minus (-) paddle to downshift and plus (+) paddle to upshift. Its still an automatic with a torque converter and should not cost anymore to maintain.

 

So the folks who never learned to drive a manual can still get the thrill of shifting?

I did that once in my '85 Chevy Cavalier automatic, I don't know why--good music on the radio, spring breeze blowing through my hair... Whoops.

 

Not really. Nothing could ever replace a standard 6-speed manual, not even BMW's SMG.