Automatic owners ever use "manual" shift mode?

Discussion in 'Dodge Challenger General Discussions' started by Katshot, Sep 21, 2020.

  1. Katshot

    Katshot Full Access Member

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    I've had my car for almost a year now and have just recently realized just how fun the A8 trans is when operated in manual mode. You absolutely can mimic the shifting characteristics of a manual trans with this trans and it's actually kind of fun! This is my first automatic trans-equipped "fun" car ever and although I truly believe it's the most well sorted out automatic I've ever found from the factory, there's still times I miss the interaction you get with a clutch and shifter. I've had a bunch of cars with automatic transmissions that had a manual mode but frankly never used them because they were poorly done.
    So, are any of you automatic owners having fun with the manual mode?
     
  2. Mfknjadagr8

    Mfknjadagr8 Full Access Member

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    Yes I am it feels really good in track mode. I also have to agree that its the best implemented one I've driven as well. Most of them are laggy and unresponsive during high rpm shifts leaving you going over redline when you don't want to.

    Sent from my SM-N975U using Tapatalk
     
  3. 70-426_10-SRT

    70-426_10-SRT B&E body lover

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    LoL, and a Second time I disagree with the Kat.
    Unless it has a Third Pedal "you can not mimic the shifting characteristics of a manual trans"

    That's just called "Clutch Envy"

    :driver:

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  4. Katshot

    Katshot Full Access Member

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    I guarantee you that most people driving next to me think I have a manual trans. Accelerate in first, let off the gas a bit and shift to second. When you're back on the gas, it feels so much like a manual trans it's crazy! Down shifts get accompanied by a throttle blip, again very similar sound and feel to a manual. As I said before, I've always had manuals in my performance cars but since my knees seriously will not handle those anymore, an automatic like the A8 is a very reasonable compromise. It'll even hold in second for short stops. California stops actually, which is great because our first is so low that it's a PITA to have to manually shift so quick after short stops.
     
  5. 70-426_10-SRT

    70-426_10-SRT B&E body lover

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    But until you can "Drop the Clutch at 4k" or "miss 3rd",
    you are not "mimicking the shifting characteristics of a manual trans"

    :)
     
  6. Katshot

    Katshot Full Access Member

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    Well...while I have to admit that I can't miss shifts, I CAN mimic dropping the clutch with Launch mode! :D
     
  7. TRCM

    TRCM Full Access Member

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    I have been.....the 300-500 mile part of the engine/trans break in tells you to use manual mode to keep engine rpm up......

    The car really responds & scoots when in 4th or 5th doing 65 mph and you get on it.....no delay at all.....
     
  8. 2017 Redline HC

    2017 Redline HC 2021 Durango RT

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    I have been recently playing around with it. I like using it in the city at lower speeds so I can get the RPMs up which contributes to the beautiful burble sound while decelerating coming to a stop.
    And yes 4-5th pulls like a mother!!
     
  9. SRT-Tom

    SRT-Tom Well-Known Member Staff Member Super Moderator Article Writer

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    When I like to have a little fun, a use the "manual" shift option on my 2009 SRT. It really wakes up the engine, especially the 1st to 2nd shift.
     
  10. Wizard of Iz

    Wizard of Iz Full Access Member

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    There are a handful of guys in our local Mopar club that spend most of their time with their Automatic in Manual mode. A few of them even admit that it's Clutch Envy.

    And, yes, there are days in stop-and-go traffic that I have Auto Envy. ;)