Open-Gate Shifter AMA

"Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever" (superchan7)
06/05/2018 at 14:21 • Filed to: Audi R8, save the manuals

Last week I also drove an R8 with a manual transmission and an open-gate shifter.

Shift action is smoother than the Ferrari gate (at least the ones I’ve tried). The gate itself is beautiful and has directional guides that Ferrari gates do not.

DISCUSSION (17)

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever
06/05/2018 at 14:37

Why don’t you own it this week?

I guy I know just ordered a Telsa Model 3 with the white interior. I just don’t understand some decisions. I mean, I’m sure it looks great the first week or so...

Thomas Donohue > Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever
06/05/2018 at 14:38

What’s an ‘open’ gate shifter - vs just a gated shifter? Didn’t realize there were different types and a quick google isn’t showing anything good.

Tripper > Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever
06/05/2018 at 15:01

You gonna git it? That’s my favorite gated manual.

BeaterGT > Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever
06/05/2018 at 15:17

I’ve only driven a R-Tronic V10, but would love to compare against a gated R8 whether it be V8 or V10. How loud are the shift “clinks”? I do think the paddles get more hate than is deserved, they worked fine on track.

Supreme Chancellor and Glorious Leader SaveTheIntegras > Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever
06/05/2018 at 15:29

I need it and wish there was one in my office

Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever > Thomas Donohue
06/05/2018 at 15:46

Same thing. The colloquial term “Gated” is a bit less specific as all manual shifters have gates, normal ones are just defined in the gearbox and hidden from view.

Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever > Tripper
06/05/2018 at 15:47

No, the styling and the shifter made my shortlist but the driving experience was a bit sterile.

Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com
06/05/2018 at 15:49

I thought the shift gate would sell the car. It didn’t.

The R8 is a fantastic car, but in the end it’s too sterile and refined for me in the sensory feedback department.

The shifter was literally the only highlight of the driving experience. The car is otherwise devoid of personality. Bear in mind, this is in the context of owning Italian cars.

Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever > BeaterGT
06/05/2018 at 15:50

The shifter makes nice noises—neither overly loud nor completely silent.

I haven’t driven an R-Tronic, and I don’t plan to.

Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever > Supreme Chancellor and Glorious Leader SaveTheIntegras
06/05/2018 at 15:52

Which one do you need, an R8 or a gated shifter?

Supreme Chancellor and Glorious Leader SaveTheIntegras > Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever
06/05/2018 at 15:55

Both pls

BeaterGT > Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever
06/05/2018 at 15:56

I hadn’t planned on it either but I was glad I did! Are these potential purchase cars?

Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever > BeaterGT
06/05/2018 at 15:57

Yep, shopping mode.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever
06/05/2018 at 16:10

Audi was too Audi.

Neil drives a beetle and a fancy beetle > Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever
06/05/2018 at 17:34

I’m thinking a car with similar numbers/performance and equally beautiful styling but more personality might be the F type R AWD. You could have two jags!

rb1971 ARGQF+CayenneTurbo+E9+328GTS+R90S > Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever
06/05/2018 at 18:07

I borrowed a manual R8 V10 convertible from a friend last year for a weekend. Thought I would love it, but had the exact same reaction. Too sterile. I’d rather have a car with much less actual performance, and much more personality.

Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever > Neil drives a beetle and a fancy beetle
06/05/2018 at 20:54

thanksbutnothanks.gif