Rapide S 2014 vs 2016

[josh bear]

Hi

Does anyone have a 2016 Rapide S? I am interested in how you are finding the updated switchgear and the 8 speed gearbox plus any other updates. I have a 2014 model and may consider a change at some point. Still need 4 seats as the bloody kids keep getting taller. How selfish.

Thanks for any help

Josh

[roughrider]

You really need to drive an 8 speed to appreciate the difference. Maybe book a test drive, but DON'T accept a coffee while you're there!!!

[josh bear]

roughrider said:

You really need to drive an 8 speed to appreciate the difference. Maybe book a test drive, but DON'T accept a coffee while you're there!!!

. But if I do drive it and I do like it they may make me buy it!

[Ken Figenus]

How do you drive it Josh? Are you in 'D' or mostly always on the paddles?

I'll be honest with you as I don't think my 6 speed Rapide actually works that well off the paddles, but then I drive the DD 535D on the paddles too - so I dont mpoan about being in the wrong gear (an its a more intelligent gearbox anyway so I do use 'D' 30% of the time). Cant BELIEVE how long the Rapide hangs on to a gear after kickdown. Ruins it. Is the '8' smarter?

[josh bear]

I like a safe but spirited drive

I use the paddles to change when I want control over the available power eg changing lanes, country roads etc. Rest of the time in D.

Re the 8 speed, the dealer says it is a big step up but I suspect he has slightly biased view
My other issue is I love the colour I have (skyfall silver) so even if I did change all I would be doing is upgrading the switch gear and gearbox. I am not aware of any other improvements. Anyone else?

Josh

[RobDown]

I've just bought a Rapide S but unfortunately haven't driven the 6 speed Rapide to compare it with - I've come from a 470bhp DB9 and compared with that the Rapide S feels really Jekyll & Hyde. It's scarily faster (with the Sport Button on) giving a real shove in your back. And yet in normal mode it will cruise on the motorway in 7th/8th at 1400-1500 rpm. I don't know how that compared with a 2014 Rapide though

Not even tried the paddles yet. (Here's hoping for a dry weekend)

[roughrider]

Ken Figenus said:

How do you drive it Josh? Are you in 'D' or mostly always on the paddles?

I'll be honest with you as I don't think my 6 speed Rapide actually works that well off the paddles, but then I drive the DD 535D on the paddles too - so I dont mpoan about being in the wrong gear (an its a more intelligent gearbox anyway so I do use 'D' 30% of the time). Cant BELIEVE how long the Rapide hangs on to a gear after kickdown. Ruins it. Is the '8' smarter?

If in "sport" D it will hang on to a gear for longer, especially if you're climbing/descending.

[roughrider]

josh bear said:

I like a safe but spirited drive

I use the paddles to change when I want control over the available power eg changing lanes, country roads etc. Rest of the time in D.

Re the 8 speed, the dealer says it is a big step up but I suspect he has slightly biased view
My other issue is I love the colour I have (skyfall silver) so even if I did change all I would be doing is upgrading the switch gear and gearbox. I am not aware of any other improvements. Anyone else?

Josh

It is a big step forward, but its like jumping off your 3 speed sturmey archer Raleigh bicycle, and fitting a 10 speed cassette to it, it releases your potential! [over simplified, i know].

Edited by roughrider on Thursday 3rd March 18:47

[Ken Figenus]

roughrider said:

If in "sport" D it will hang on to a gear for longer, especially if you're climbing/descending.

Its not that, its the fact that it takes an age to drop down a gear after a kickdown overtake. It hangs on to the kickdown gear way too long after the manouver. So I like driving it in non Sport mode on the paddles, as, when you overtake, it will change up for you as you approach the (non marked!) virtual red line. In Sport mode it will hit the limiter instead so I never use it in Sport mode. It works beautifully this way

[josh bear]

Thanks all

I guess it won't harm to go and have a look

Appreciate the input.

Josh

[Kevin Cozner]

Any update (5 years later)? Is the 8 speed significantly better than the 6?

[Ken Figenus]

Well... I just re-read all that... Had the six speed for 5 years and then have had the 8 speed for 2... And...

The 8 is a bit better, bit quicker, bit (too?) punchier on some changes but it's NO 'must have' dealbreaker if you drive the 6 on the paddles.

7th and 8th are real overdrives and the economy is magnificent - 30 mpg easy at 75mph.

Having the 6 will NOT impair your enjoyment of that stunning V12 car whatsoever. It still blips down really nicely but you will sense more torque converter slip if YOU are in too high a gear.

Amen IMHO (especially as neither are as good as the PDK in my Macan DD but they are both absolutely totally fine).

[Kevin Cozner]

Thanks Ken, appreciate your advice.