Sports Shift - I’m a convert
Discussion
As some may recall, I bought a lovely Alloro Green V12VS recently.
I’ve had limited experience with the sport shift gear box having previously owned a Manual.
The weather this weekend has been nice here in the north west , so I decided to do a trip out to the Evo Triangle on Sunday and short loop today.
I must say that now I’ve got to grips with it, I’m really enjoying the SS experience.. flipping up and down the gearbox is great fun.. and I’m sure the exhaust sounds slightly different to my old car..
Another big tick is the more refined ride.. it’s still firm but somehow a little more forgiving than the manual.
I’m not sure I notice much difference in terms of power.. and I’m left wondering whether it really needs 7 gears, I think 6 would have been fine.. but I guess it means there are more opportunities to make the V12 sing..
Anyway, looking forward to the summer and more of the same.
I’ve had limited experience with the sport shift gear box having previously owned a Manual.
The weather this weekend has been nice here in the north west , so I decided to do a trip out to the Evo Triangle on Sunday and short loop today.
I must say that now I’ve got to grips with it, I’m really enjoying the SS experience.. flipping up and down the gearbox is great fun.. and I’m sure the exhaust sounds slightly different to my old car..
Another big tick is the more refined ride.. it’s still firm but somehow a little more forgiving than the manual.
I’m not sure I notice much difference in terms of power.. and I’m left wondering whether it really needs 7 gears, I think 6 would have been fine.. but I guess it means there are more opportunities to make the V12 sing..
Anyway, looking forward to the summer and more of the same.
Had the same thoughts in my v8S.
I’ve had mine for 10 months now and part of the appeal has been learning to get the most out of the SS gearbox. Getting it right feels great! FWIW, I had a manual 4.7 v8 between 2009-2011 so know both boxes.
I wonder if journalists and others malign the box because a) they don’t start with recognising it’s different and b) it requires some learning/time to get the most out of it, which may not be afforded on short drives?
It won’t suit everyone, but I too am a convert.
I’ve had mine for 10 months now and part of the appeal has been learning to get the most out of the SS gearbox. Getting it right feels great! FWIW, I had a manual 4.7 v8 between 2009-2011 so know both boxes.
I wonder if journalists and others malign the box because a) they don’t start with recognising it’s different and b) it requires some learning/time to get the most out of it, which may not be afforded on short drives?
It won’t suit everyone, but I too am a convert.
I had SS when had a Vantage V8, I liked it and there is a knack to learning how to use it properly and 'D' is for Don't use this button. I also liked the blip on downshifts and the hyper shift mode was quicker changing than a manual could even if a bit of a jerk to it. 'If' I ever have another it will be SS again.
I do find the D button useful in some situations.. As I'm sure you're all aware built up areas of Wales now have a 20 mph limit, Drive is perfect for crawling along in these circumstances.
I'm starting to be able to judge when it will change gear too, and a slight lift helps as it does when in manual mode.
I'm starting to be able to judge when it will change gear too, and a slight lift helps as it does when in manual mode.
Edited by CatalystV12V on Tuesday 20th February 07:45
Another SSII fan on the V8V here (and it was also bloody good in the V12VS I tried (the man-maths failed. 
)
I usually drive mine in "Sport" mode for the earlier exhaust valve opening and crisper shifts, but I have found that when manoeuvring in tight spaces, taking it out of "Sport" means that the ECU can feather and ride the clutch better - in "Sport" it can try to engage it too quickly and firmly, resulting in the anti-stall kicking in.
Yes, I do know about the risks of clutch abuse and I try to avoid using low-speed full lock or reversing uphill, but sometimes there is no choice - like putting it into my garage without grinding bits off the chin spoiler
)I usually drive mine in "Sport" mode for the earlier exhaust valve opening and crisper shifts, but I have found that when manoeuvring in tight spaces, taking it out of "Sport" means that the ECU can feather and ride the clutch better - in "Sport" it can try to engage it too quickly and firmly, resulting in the anti-stall kicking in.
Yes, I do know about the risks of clutch abuse and I try to avoid using low-speed full lock or reversing uphill, but sometimes there is no choice - like putting it into my garage without grinding bits off the chin spoiler
LTP said:
I usually drive mine in "Sport" mode for the earlier exhaust valve opening and crisper shifts, but I have found that when manoeuvring in tight spaces, taking it out of "Sport" means that the ECU can feather and ride the clutch better - in "Sport" it can try to engage it too quickly and firmly, resulting in the anti-stall kicking in.
Yes, I do know about the risks of clutch abuse and I try to avoid using low-speed full lock or reversing uphill, but sometimes there is no choice - like putting it into my garage without grinding bits off the chin spoiler
This describes the last 10 yards of my journey home. Taking it out of sport, when the final bit involves reversing up hill into the garage, with some lock on, means I’m not greeted with a big red light on the dash warning of impending clutch doom. A lesson I only needed to learn once!Yes, I do know about the risks of clutch abuse and I try to avoid using low-speed full lock or reversing uphill, but sometimes there is no choice - like putting it into my garage without grinding bits off the chin spoiler
I'm also loving the SSlll, having owned a v12 vantage S for a month or so.
Last paddle-shift sports car I had was the PDK in a 981 Cayman GTS, and despite mainly driving it on the paddles I found it quite boring as it was so good that it took half the challenge out of driving smoothly.
The SSIII needs some thought & technique to get it shifting seamlessly on upshifts - getting it right is rewarding, a bit like a manual. Ok not as rewarding as nailing a heel-toe downshift on a manual (I also have a 993 Carrera) but certainly more immersive than something like pdk.
Last paddle-shift sports car I had was the PDK in a 981 Cayman GTS, and despite mainly driving it on the paddles I found it quite boring as it was so good that it took half the challenge out of driving smoothly.
The SSIII needs some thought & technique to get it shifting seamlessly on upshifts - getting it right is rewarding, a bit like a manual. Ok not as rewarding as nailing a heel-toe downshift on a manual (I also have a 993 Carrera) but certainly more immersive than something like pdk.
Hey,
My first flappy paddle car was a Maserati 4200. In sport mode I thought it was ok, but in normal mode it was beyond terrible. The most annoying thing was that it defaulted to normal mode on every startup. Next came a V8V with a manual box. The clutch was stiff but I didn’t care, I just loved it. A few years later I bought a Ferrari F430 with the F1 flappy paddle box. I loved it and found it addictive. To be clear, I’m not wealthy and not just trying to throw the Ferrari marque in there. I just buy the best car I can afford at the time. I don’t drink, smoke or gamble, so that’s my vice, lol.
Having heard so many negative reviews about the SS1 and even SS2, I nearly didn’t bother test driving one. But I knew from experience that you have to actually know how to drive a semi auto car, and lift off just a fraction as you change gear and then straight back on the gas.
The fact is, there is nothing wrong with the SS2. It’s a fantastic box and extremely smooth, if you actually know how to use it. But I suspect that sort of comment will hurt some people’s egos, lol.
Anyway, I bought a stunning 2012 V8V S about 4 months ago and I’m totally in wuv with it, lol.
My first flappy paddle car was a Maserati 4200. In sport mode I thought it was ok, but in normal mode it was beyond terrible. The most annoying thing was that it defaulted to normal mode on every startup. Next came a V8V with a manual box. The clutch was stiff but I didn’t care, I just loved it. A few years later I bought a Ferrari F430 with the F1 flappy paddle box. I loved it and found it addictive. To be clear, I’m not wealthy and not just trying to throw the Ferrari marque in there. I just buy the best car I can afford at the time. I don’t drink, smoke or gamble, so that’s my vice, lol.
Having heard so many negative reviews about the SS1 and even SS2, I nearly didn’t bother test driving one. But I knew from experience that you have to actually know how to drive a semi auto car, and lift off just a fraction as you change gear and then straight back on the gas.
The fact is, there is nothing wrong with the SS2. It’s a fantastic box and extremely smooth, if you actually know how to use it. But I suspect that sort of comment will hurt some people’s egos, lol.
Anyway, I bought a stunning 2012 V8V S about 4 months ago and I’m totally in wuv with it, lol.
I’ve never been in doubt that so much of what was and continues to be written about Astons version of the automated manual in the Vantage is influenced by the horrendous reputation that some of the earlier applications in non exotic stuff gained for itself. Does anyone remember that TG segment with them trying to reverse parallel park the old Saab Sensonic on a hill? Hilarious…
https://youtu.be/9_mDCBkcsr4?si=T48YOopMeWfjLuiW
AM’s own first attempt, the very determined but ultimately non-successful install in the Vanquish also created much criticism for how it singularly turned a beautiful elegant V12 Aston into a lurching and fragile embarrassment at low speed.
It meant that many if not most have some pretty well formed opinions about SS before even hopping into one of the cars, and then actively seek out evidence to reinforce pre-existing thoughts/prejudices. I’m certain that there will be a modern term for this but can’t be arsed to look it up.
Fact is, by the time SS2 came along in V8VS, it was already a pretty good and useable system, and possible to learn the system well enough to overcome any limitation. The same was true with the more robust (twin plate) SS3 in the V12S. Sadly the damage was long done, and we have now entered a period of ‘nostalgia’ for the ‘proper’ manuals, I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve heard it mentioned on here that someone is planning to acquire a Vantage but will only consider a manual. Values reflect that, certainly of the V12VSM when compared to the fabulous bargain that is now the slightly earlier SS3 cars.
Fact is, those who are really in the know, and have regularly driven all versions of the cars state that they would prefer to drive a SS2 car, upgraded to twin plate clutch (ie SS3 a la V12S) over a manual. It is possible to learn, within a few short days or weeks or months, depending on how often the car is driven and certain personal characteristics of the driver, how to drive one of these things impeccably smoothly.
I always chuckle to myself that so many know it all you tubers deride the SS system as ‘s
t’ after a 5 minute drive, especially as I am reversing uphill into a tight parallel parking space, which, believe it or not, is, with a little practise both easy and fully controlled in my hill-hold equipped SS2 V8VS with twin clutch plates.
It’s a great system, unique, funky, different and theatrical. bks to you JC, I think ‘flappy paddles’ rule 
https://youtu.be/9_mDCBkcsr4?si=T48YOopMeWfjLuiW
AM’s own first attempt, the very determined but ultimately non-successful install in the Vanquish also created much criticism for how it singularly turned a beautiful elegant V12 Aston into a lurching and fragile embarrassment at low speed.
It meant that many if not most have some pretty well formed opinions about SS before even hopping into one of the cars, and then actively seek out evidence to reinforce pre-existing thoughts/prejudices. I’m certain that there will be a modern term for this but can’t be arsed to look it up.
Fact is, by the time SS2 came along in V8VS, it was already a pretty good and useable system, and possible to learn the system well enough to overcome any limitation. The same was true with the more robust (twin plate) SS3 in the V12S. Sadly the damage was long done, and we have now entered a period of ‘nostalgia’ for the ‘proper’ manuals, I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve heard it mentioned on here that someone is planning to acquire a Vantage but will only consider a manual. Values reflect that, certainly of the V12VSM when compared to the fabulous bargain that is now the slightly earlier SS3 cars.
Fact is, those who are really in the know, and have regularly driven all versions of the cars state that they would prefer to drive a SS2 car, upgraded to twin plate clutch (ie SS3 a la V12S) over a manual. It is possible to learn, within a few short days or weeks or months, depending on how often the car is driven and certain personal characteristics of the driver, how to drive one of these things impeccably smoothly.
I always chuckle to myself that so many know it all you tubers deride the SS system as ‘s
t’ after a 5 minute drive, especially as I am reversing uphill into a tight parallel parking space, which, believe it or not, is, with a little practise both easy and fully controlled in my hill-hold equipped SS2 V8VS with twin clutch plates. It’s a great system, unique, funky, different and theatrical. b
ks to you JC, I think ‘flappy paddles’ rule I've already written on PH in the past about how much I enjoy these 'boxes. You just have to have half a brain cell as to what it is, and what's going on under the skin of it. Isn't that also the core appeal of manuals anyway?
The "secret" about how good the SSII and SSIII gearboxes are will eventually get out there. (Sorry, but I've never driven an original Vanquish or SSI Vantage, so can't comment on the difference there.) Combine this with a younger generation of drivers who aren't manual obsessed because, frankly, they don't have that option in many cars now, and I think we will start to see the exagerated price difference between SSII/SSIII cars and their manual equivalents shrink.
The difference in price is most startling with the V12 Vantage AMR models. When I bought mine, the manual equivalent would have been £40k+ more. HOW??? That situation has not gone away: Example 1, Example 2. The dog leg 7 speed has its quirks like the SSIII does. I can't see the justification for that difference, especially as I'd already learnt through experience that the SSII in the V8 Vantage S was a more suitable 'box - and perversely more enjoyable - than the manual in the V8.
But you do have to learn and make coniderations. Which is the fun for those like us. I am still learning things after 4 years living with these 'boxes. It was only last year, after re-reading the manual that I realised why, on very rare occasions, the box would drop into neutral at the lights and then reengage first automatically. It does this cycle to check clutch wear every-so-often, not just on startup. This did trip me up, most embarrasingly, on the starting grid on the Silverstone circuit last year when 110 AMs were lined up for a parade lap. Typically it chose that point to do the check and I panicked, pulling on the up/downshift padels frantically, which must have confused the system temporarily. It must have only been 10 seconds, but it felt like a lifetime. I now know that you simply press the D key if the 'box doesn't engage first when you need it and then take over again with the paddles.
Some would use this type of obscure behaviour as amunition. But I've read too many reviews about stubborn stick shifts on Italian exotica to return fire
The "secret" about how good the SSII and SSIII gearboxes are will eventually get out there. (Sorry, but I've never driven an original Vanquish or SSI Vantage, so can't comment on the difference there.) Combine this with a younger generation of drivers who aren't manual obsessed because, frankly, they don't have that option in many cars now, and I think we will start to see the exagerated price difference between SSII/SSIII cars and their manual equivalents shrink.
The difference in price is most startling with the V12 Vantage AMR models. When I bought mine, the manual equivalent would have been £40k+ more. HOW??? That situation has not gone away: Example 1, Example 2. The dog leg 7 speed has its quirks like the SSIII does. I can't see the justification for that difference, especially as I'd already learnt through experience that the SSII in the V8 Vantage S was a more suitable 'box - and perversely more enjoyable - than the manual in the V8.
But you do have to learn and make coniderations. Which is the fun for those like us. I am still learning things after 4 years living with these 'boxes. It was only last year, after re-reading the manual that I realised why, on very rare occasions, the box would drop into neutral at the lights and then reengage first automatically. It does this cycle to check clutch wear every-so-often, not just on startup. This did trip me up, most embarrasingly, on the starting grid on the Silverstone circuit last year when 110 AMs were lined up for a parade lap. Typically it chose that point to do the check and I panicked, pulling on the up/downshift padels frantically, which must have confused the system temporarily. It must have only been 10 seconds, but it felt like a lifetime. I now know that you simply press the D key if the 'box doesn't engage first when you need it and then take over again with the paddles.
Some would use this type of obscure behaviour as amunition. But I've read too many reviews about stubborn stick shifts on Italian exotica to return fire
Many years ago I would never consider an automatic gearbox but my last five cars have all been auto the latest a Vantage V12 with SSIII.
I only have one niggle with the SSIII when stopped you have to pull away in 1st and cannot upshift to second gear until you are doing 10mph, apart from that I am a very happy person (the wife may disagree)
I only have one niggle with the SSIII when stopped you have to pull away in 1st and cannot upshift to second gear until you are doing 10mph, apart from that I am a very happy person (the wife may disagree)
ds666 said:
Your comments about the Vanquish are not correct unless you are like ( or are) Jeremy Clarkson and can't drive correctly .
Agree 100%. If you haven’t personally experienced the SS trans on Vanquish, then you’ve no business criticizing it. It works great on the S model and on the regular Vanq when upgraded with the magnetic sensor system. I’ve driven the Vantage; the Vanq SS works as well.
My experience with my 4.3l sports shift box was not positive one when I first brought the car.
The clutch was replaced under 5k miles by the previous owner so not a old clutch. I found it Jerky, clunky, not a enjoyable experience.
The car was fine on the open road but slow moving traffic it was a nightmare. I almost sold the car on.
Last ditch I had the clutch and flywheel upgraded to a twin plate and the difference was remarkable. Not saying its as good as a auto box for smoothness but it's close enough and retains the same quirks that makes the sports shift different to full auto box.
I now get all the enjoyment of the sports shift without the downsides of the SS.
The clutch was replaced under 5k miles by the previous owner so not a old clutch. I found it Jerky, clunky, not a enjoyable experience.
The car was fine on the open road but slow moving traffic it was a nightmare. I almost sold the car on.
Last ditch I had the clutch and flywheel upgraded to a twin plate and the difference was remarkable. Not saying its as good as a auto box for smoothness but it's close enough and retains the same quirks that makes the sports shift different to full auto box.
I now get all the enjoyment of the sports shift without the downsides of the SS.
Strikerxt said:
My experience with my 4.3l sports shift box was not positive one when I first brought the car.
The clutch was replaced under 5k miles by the previous owner so not a old clutch. I found it Jerky, clunky, not a enjoyable experience.
The car was fine on the open road but slow moving traffic it was a nightmare. I almost sold the car on.
Last ditch I had the clutch and flywheel upgraded to a twin plate and the difference was remarkable. Not saying its as good as a auto box for smoothness but it's close enough and retains the same quirks that makes the sports shift different to full auto box.
I now get all the enjoyment of the sports shift without the downsides of the SS.
Not clear what you said - the previous owner got 5k out of his clutch ? And you bought a car from him lol . The clutch was replaced under 5k miles by the previous owner so not a old clutch. I found it Jerky, clunky, not a enjoyable experience.
The car was fine on the open road but slow moving traffic it was a nightmare. I almost sold the car on.
Last ditch I had the clutch and flywheel upgraded to a twin plate and the difference was remarkable. Not saying its as good as a auto box for smoothness but it's close enough and retains the same quirks that makes the sports shift different to full auto box.
I now get all the enjoyment of the sports shift without the downsides of the SS.
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