Discussion
Having avoided them thus far, I'm about to familiarise myself with the XKR's gear-shift paddles. Could someone please explain how the transformation from auto to 'manual' is translated by the engine? Presumably the changeover is initiated by a flick of the minus paddle and this approximately selects a 'gear' which is one lower than that which would equate to the current Auto mode? So, if cruising at 70, what gear is selected by a flick of the minus paddle? And if pulling away from standstill, does the paddle automatically select "second" gear? And will that gear remain selected until I flick the plus paddle? How many settings are there, ie how many flicks of the plus paddle will have an effect? And finally, how do you revert to Auto again?
Thanks -- I'm a tad apprehensive about experimenting with these things in traffic...
Thanks -- I'm a tad apprehensive about experimenting with these things in traffic...
This relates to the 4.2ltr ally XK's, the newer 5.0ltr cars are different.
PR100, there are 2 ways of doing this. Firstly, if you are in 'D' and touch either the up or down paddle, as you say this will manually select the next higher or lower gear. In 'D' the manual gear change is just temporary as it will revert back to auto mode after a period of time if the paddles are not touched again. This mode is ideal if you just want to blast past someone instead of using the kick down function of the auto 'box.
If you flick the lever over to 'S' and change gear, the 'box will stay in manual mode. As with the auto box, in Sport mode the engine character changes, faster gear changes etc.
In both modes, the car will protect itself, you won't beable to over rev the engine on the up or down change, so don't worry. It will take a bit of practice to know when the gearbox will accept a down change, otherwise the car will upon your request to change down, wait until it can change before doing so which can be a bit frustrating.
One thing to note, is that on down changingis that the car will rev the engine to match the revs. Now if you are hoping to get a bit of engine braking, you'll be mistaken, use the foot brake when approaching a corner at speed!
In either mode 'D' or 'S' in manual mode, if you are in the wrong gear while coming to a stop the car will select the right gear for the speed and revs.
PR100, there are 2 ways of doing this. Firstly, if you are in 'D' and touch either the up or down paddle, as you say this will manually select the next higher or lower gear. In 'D' the manual gear change is just temporary as it will revert back to auto mode after a period of time if the paddles are not touched again. This mode is ideal if you just want to blast past someone instead of using the kick down function of the auto 'box.
If you flick the lever over to 'S' and change gear, the 'box will stay in manual mode. As with the auto box, in Sport mode the engine character changes, faster gear changes etc.
In both modes, the car will protect itself, you won't beable to over rev the engine on the up or down change, so don't worry. It will take a bit of practice to know when the gearbox will accept a down change, otherwise the car will upon your request to change down, wait until it can change before doing so which can be a bit frustrating.
One thing to note, is that on down changingis that the car will rev the engine to match the revs. Now if you are hoping to get a bit of engine braking, you'll be mistaken, use the foot brake when approaching a corner at speed!
In either mode 'D' or 'S' in manual mode, if you are in the wrong gear while coming to a stop the car will select the right gear for the speed and revs.
Thanks Triple7 - and yes, it's a 2007 4.2. My initial worry is that I will switch to the paddles and then forget that I'm no longer in Auto when slowing down/stopping.
What exactly happens for example when I've switched to the paddles, from D or S, and then do an emergency stop? Does the car automatically revert to Auto or do the paddles. still have control? I assume from your last comment that the paddles will still have control in S but might possibly have reverted to Auto if in D...?
The lack of engine braking is something I'm aware of and will have to think about, especially as my daily runaround has a manual shift.
Out of interest, are there any published figures for 0-60 in D, S, D/paddles and S/paddles?
What exactly happens for example when I've switched to the paddles, from D or S, and then do an emergency stop? Does the car automatically revert to Auto or do the paddles. still have control? I assume from your last comment that the paddles will still have control in S but might possibly have reverted to Auto if in D...?
The lack of engine braking is something I'm aware of and will have to think about, especially as my daily runaround has a manual shift.
Out of interest, are there any published figures for 0-60 in D, S, D/paddles and S/paddles?
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