Paddle Shift Transmission

A paddle shift transmissions are linked to a semi-automatic gearbox. These semi-automatic gearboxes have normal automatic gearbox modes which are P, N, D, R and there is an extra mode named S for sport mode. The paddle shifters can be used to change gear manually when the gearbox is in S mode.

Two paddles are located behind the steering wheel for changing gears. One paddle is located behind the right side of the steering wheel and the other paddle is on the left side behind the steering wheel. The one on the right is marked + for shifting up a gear and the one on the left is marked – for shifting a gear down. Paddle shift is a smooth and fast way of changing gears without having to take your hands off the steering wheel and using your left leg to depress the clutch. The gear changes are also much faster than that of a conventional manual gearbox. Many sports cars and race cars are equipped with paddle shift gearboxes for seamless gear changes that result in a continuous surge of acceleration which reduces acceleration timings of a car.

There are three types of paddle shift transmission, the first one being a torque converter based gearbox. Through programming the onboard computer on the car the gearbox can be made to change the gear as demanded by the driver. The problem with this type of gearbox with paddle shift transmission is that the gearbox takes a lot of time to change gear after the paddle for shifting up or down has been pulled. It can also be very tricky while trying to park the car.

The second type of paddle shift transmission is called a DSG system which stands for Dual Shift Gearbox. A DSG gearbox has two clutches. One clutch engages all odd number gears such as 1, 3, 5 and 7 while the other clutch engages all even number gears such as 2, 4, 6 and 8. The advantage of a DSG system is that gear changes are seamless and extremely quick. When a paddle is pulled to change gear one clutch engages the next gear and the other clutch disengages the previous gear. This makes gear changes as accurate as that of a manual transmission only faster as a clutch does not have to depressed and only a finger is used to pull a paddle. DSG transmissions are more expensive than torque converter transmissions.

The third type of paddle shift transmission is an electro hydraulic gearbox which is used in Formula 1 cars. These gearboxes are quicker, stronger and lighter than DSG transmissions and are a lot more expensive.