Sequential shifter...WHY NOT DAMN IT!!
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Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 61
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From: Walnutport
Indeed F1 cars do have clutches. When on the grid, the system has 2 buttons that work what is called "Launch Control". The first button set the system into launch control mode (clutch in with engine revving freely). When the lights go out, driver hits second botton on steering wheel that "Launches" the vehicle. This amounts to modulating the engine to the point that acceleration occurs at a maximum rate without wheel spin.
As far as the driver having to use the clutch at other times, I know absolutely that he does not use it in upshifting, and am pretty sure he doesn't use it in downshifting. Listen to the downshifts sometime when they do an incar sequence with the driver going into a slow corner. There doesn't (IMHO) seem to be any way that he can go down two or three gears as quickly as he does if he is activating a clutch with his foot.
Just my .02.
As far as the driver having to use the clutch at other times, I know absolutely that he does not use it in upshifting, and am pretty sure he doesn't use it in downshifting. Listen to the downshifts sometime when they do an incar sequence with the driver going into a slow corner. There doesn't (IMHO) seem to be any way that he can go down two or three gears as quickly as he does if he is activating a clutch with his foot.
Just my .02.
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Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 4,015
Likes: 2
From: Calgary
[QUOTE]Originally posted by KenL
[B]Indeed F1 cars do have clutches. When on the grid, the system has 2 buttons that work what is called "Launch Control". The first button set the system into launch control mode (clutch in with engine revving freely). When the lights go out, driver hits second botton on steering wheel that "Launches" the vehicle. This amounts to modulating the engine to the point that acceleration occurs at a maximum rate without wheel spin.
As far as the driver having to use the clutch at other times, I know absolutely that he does not use it in upshifting, and am pretty sure he doesn't use it in downshifting. Listen to the downshifts sometime when they do an incar sequence with the driver going into a slow corner. There doesn't (IMHO) seem to be any way that he can go down two or three gears as quickly as he does if he is activating a clutch with his foot.
[B]Indeed F1 cars do have clutches. When on the grid, the system has 2 buttons that work what is called "Launch Control". The first button set the system into launch control mode (clutch in with engine revving freely). When the lights go out, driver hits second botton on steering wheel that "Launches" the vehicle. This amounts to modulating the engine to the point that acceleration occurs at a maximum rate without wheel spin.
As far as the driver having to use the clutch at other times, I know absolutely that he does not use it in upshifting, and am pretty sure he doesn't use it in downshifting. Listen to the downshifts sometime when they do an incar sequence with the driver going into a slow corner. There doesn't (IMHO) seem to be any way that he can go down two or three gears as quickly as he does if he is activating a clutch with his foot.
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Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 371
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From: Bor
Originally posted by cthree
The simple answer is $$$. You think their cheap? Talk about your $5000 options batman. Please list all cars less than $33K with electronic paddle shifters.
The simple answer is $$$. You think their cheap? Talk about your $5000 options batman. Please list all cars less than $33K with electronic paddle shifters.
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Joined: May 2001
Posts: 244
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From: Wayne
One caveat on the MR2. It doesn't actually have an automatic mode. The drive must always tell the car when to shift. Kind of a marketing mistake in my mind as adding this doesn't cost a whole lot.
I think an automatic-manual would be a good option for the S. Many people have a hard time understanding how to drive this car, a sequential system would take a lot of the guess work out and make the car fun for more people.
I'd be interested in trying it but I love manual shifting too much. This tranny is so sweet, it is the only car I have every smiled just by shifting gears.
Hugh
I think an automatic-manual would be a good option for the S. Many people have a hard time understanding how to drive this car, a sequential system would take a lot of the guess work out and make the car fun for more people.
I'd be interested in trying it but I love manual shifting too much. This tranny is so sweet, it is the only car I have every smiled just by shifting gears.
Hugh
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Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 5,704
Likes: 1
From: South Staffordshire
the one benefit I like for have an F1 style box is being able to keep two hands on the wheel at all times - often I don't both changing down because I prefer to keep two hands controlling.
as Skogshuggarn rightly pointed out, Alfa Romeo make a sports saloon 156 with the "selespeed" transmission. It can be operated with buttons on the steering as a clutchless manual - or in full automode - where the driver just puts it in drive like a regular auto.
Even though the computer handles all the shifting and in theory it is more consistent and faster than a manual shift - it is a bit jerky and no where near as smooth as a regular auto. I almost bought one but was worried about the reliability considering how cheap it was. It is only on the 2litre 155bhp version too - apparently not strong enough for the V6 2.5litre. Since Alfa is part of Ferrari - I assume they have just done a cheaper version of the technology they already had in house.
For F1 - the driver does not operate the clutch at all apart from the start - like leaving the pits - and normally this is with a hand controlled lever and not a pedal. However Ferrari have either got one or are developing a clutchless transmission - they will use the use the electro-hydraulic differential to perform the operation of the standard clutch.
Ferrari clutchless transmission
as Skogshuggarn rightly pointed out, Alfa Romeo make a sports saloon 156 with the "selespeed" transmission. It can be operated with buttons on the steering as a clutchless manual - or in full automode - where the driver just puts it in drive like a regular auto.
Even though the computer handles all the shifting and in theory it is more consistent and faster than a manual shift - it is a bit jerky and no where near as smooth as a regular auto. I almost bought one but was worried about the reliability considering how cheap it was. It is only on the 2litre 155bhp version too - apparently not strong enough for the V6 2.5litre. Since Alfa is part of Ferrari - I assume they have just done a cheaper version of the technology they already had in house.
For F1 - the driver does not operate the clutch at all apart from the start - like leaving the pits - and normally this is with a hand controlled lever and not a pedal. However Ferrari have either got one or are developing a clutchless transmission - they will use the use the electro-hydraulic differential to perform the operation of the standard clutch.
Ferrari clutchless transmission