So I have a '13TL with the 6 speed auto. It seems to shift pretty damn good on its own. If I need to downshift and pass someone on a 2-lane road going too slow it fires up quite quickly and gives full passing power within milliseconds, usually downshifting multiple gears instantly.

I'm starting to wonder what the reason is for the paddle shifters. I mean they were a "cool feature" driving though the mountains of Colorado, going through the mountains and need to downshift to 2nd gear, it is a quick flick of the left hand so I dont burn out the brakes on a 10% hill. Other than downshifting when you are in a mountain area, I dont see the point.

It seems at WOT, the transmission is able to manage everything on its own.

With normal driving on flat land is there any point in using the paddle shifters?

 

well, if you decide to race from a roll, using manual mode is necessary. You have to downshift to keep the rpms high so when you go WOT theres no split second delay before it downshifts. Also manual mode allows a couple hundred extra rpm closer to redline before upshifting.

but even for daily driving manual mode is a little more fun when driving spiritedly. You dont always want the transmission to upshift when it does.

 

it lets you select the gear you want to use.. thats just how i see it.

i can run 1st gear all the way near redline without it shifting.. so as the other gears..

like i said, you can choose your gear.. if you want to upshift, you can.

 

Just to feel more engaged with the driving experience.
For those who could not find a MT or share the car with someone who will not drive a clutch paddle shifters are a decent compromise.

 

Yeah, meant to be a "sport" option on some cars.

However, a side benefit is that you can save wear on your clutchpacks by using the paddle shifters correctly.

 

In the transmission "Drive" mode, the paddle shifters allow you to temporary CONTROL the gear you want to car to be in, without having to waste time moving the transmission stick to the "Sport" position first.

In the WOT condition, it is true that the transmission will manage everything on it's own.

But once out of WOT condition, the transmission will lug along in the highest possible gear ratio, robbing the car of instant acceleration and engine braking capabilities, without the help of the paddle shifters.

However, you are correct that on a flat and straight road with no traffic, there is no need to use the paddle shifters.

 

I tend to use it in stop and go traffic at second gear/third gear most of the time, but then again I hate braking.

 

well, i also hate braking... so wondering, does down shifting to brake hurt the car??

 

No, but it puts more wear on your clutch packs.

 

I noticed when I first put my car into paddle mode it shifts from 1st to 2nd on its own or from 2nd to 3rd on its own w.o tpms getting to high...is that normal, doesn't happen all the time just when I first put it from d to s

 

Shift points are different in S mode. So when going from D to S, it will typically downshift to the new shift mapping. It's somewhat dependent on throttle and vehicle speed. For example, even at highway speed, going from D to S will downshift to 5th since in S mode 6th gear is never used.

 

I like using it for downshifting when im in the mountains to maintain my speed. Especially going down a steep grade.

 

Along those lines, when driving out to western MD, I was pleasantly surprised that the cruise control will automatically downshift if necessary to stay within 5 mph of the set speed.

 

I use the paddles to downshift when I want a burst of power to pass on freeway. Other than that, I see no use as there is a huge delay. For spirited driving, the sport mode does just fine.

 

Sometimes I've used the paddle shifters in town, in the S mode, you can hold the car in 2nd gear for quick acceleration in and out of traffic lanes, it just makes quicker responses and it's fun too!

 

Paddle shifting is A LOT more enjoyable with some kind of exhaust and intake.

 

Driving in manual mode with the paddles is the only way I drive my SH-AWD. If you're just fiddling around with the paddles you won't get much out of them. You need to spend a couple days in S using the paddles to truly appreciate how much it changes the driving experience. I can't stand D, or as I call it, grocery store mode. The car's logic is decent, but once you're in control of the shifts you're going to have a lot more fun with spirited driving.

 

The manual mode is nice but the lag is not acceptable to me. It is much slower than the 7AT system in the G37/370Z although they are both automatic. But the Nissan's system is not as nearly as smooth as Acura's though.

 

I share a car with someone who can't drive stick, so the paddles shifters were the only option. Also, I drive in the mountains regularly and the paddle shifters prevent me from killing my breaks when going down hill, and help me maintain my speed when going up hill. And S mode is the only way to drive properly on dirt roads.

Even on a flat road, I use the paddle shifters to engine break when cut off or preparing to exit.

 

3 pedals for the winn!!!!

 

Yes, I believe there is a very good point. When you go to pass someone it is pretty quick but it takes probably 3/4 of a second before you get access to that passing power.

If you use the paddles, you can downshift a second before you plan to pass the other car and the power will be there before you even ask for it. You can also double or triple shift with your paddleshifters. Even in D mode.

 

Have it is a great compromise when u have some who also my drive your car and can't drive manual... I.e. my wife...thats y I am try to talk her in to trading her Mazda CX 9 in for a 2010+ Acura Mdx...lol!

 

DCT for the win!!!!!!!!!

 

SHAWD with S mode and paddle shifters on canyon highway = great driving experience.