:-) I can stay up with a hellcat through 90mph in my new car. Beyond that, it might be go to jail territory. Never did the burnout/donut thing in my Mustang. [Reply]
Originally Posted by BigRedChief: :-) I can stay up with a hellcat through 90mph in my new car. Beyond that, it might be go to jail territory. Never did the burnout/donut thing in my Mustang.
If you think you got hit with the LiDAR at north of 100, just keep driving until they catch you. :-) [Reply]
If you guys have not drove the new automatic 8's that are out there.......you are missing out. It is faster than a manual and shifts like a manual. Copied and pasted from another site............
Originally Posted by Goodbar:
I am really amazed with my (the) new A8 transmission I have a 2015 R/T 5.7. I am somewhat qualified to make these statements as I have owned and do own many cars, some with manual transmission and some with Autos. I have a 09 Viper ,as example with a Manual transmission and an Auto C6 Corvette among current cars. I even have owned new auto Mustang GTs and a manual GT500 recently so my perspective is pretty broad. Qualifier: I have not recently driven a 2008-2014 auto challenger so those trannies may also behave like the 2015 but with 3 less gears, I just cant remember. So here are a some of my opinions on this unique, almost hybrid transmission in the 2015 Challenger. So for current owners, and those who are considering a A8 here is my list of what I absolutely love about the new A8. At this point I have not found a downside to the A8 so don't look for those comments below. So if your torn between the 2 choices on a new buy, don't be afraid to purchase a 2015 Challenger with an auto 8 speed transmission, here's why:
1) I forget I am driving a automatic. It feels and behaves almost like a manual transmission in many ways. It even down shifts smoothly, raises RPMs and brakes the car when I let off the gas. This saves brake wear and brake dust clean off and I love the engine sounds and feels in touch as much during slow down as accelerating. note: I have never driven a auto that actually down shifts and raises RPMs as if down shifting a manual. Love this feature 100 percent.
2) Manual mode on the floor is perfect. The manual mode is the best engineered system I have used. I would never crave additional paddle shifters on my R/T. The handle is also engineered dang near perfect and is hard to let go of for comfort and great engineering and ergos,
3) Down shifting in manual mode. The manual mode down shifts by itself when slowing if I don't shift down myself. I choose if I want to and it seems instinctive if I ignore the manual down shifts.( other transmissions just go into glide or coast mode) or the ratio of downshifts is so closely matched to the rpm it seems like coast mode.
4) In touch. I still feel very much in touch with the engine even though its a automatic. Its just a solid connection to the entire drive train and not a mushy washing machine feel like many other automatics. Yep the Auto Vette is fine during a tromp down but on slowdown ya know its an auto. I have read a few complaints about downshifting of the A8 driving them nuts but I appreciate it to the max.
5) Responsive and solid feeling always. The reason people buy manuals is to feel connected to the engine and I like that also, but this transmission is an amazing compromise that keeps you connected but one that I can go into lazy mode with without feeling like I am driving a slushy auto. But twitch the accelerator and it is fast to respond with no jerky clunking or delay, its just raw torque, and right now. Even coupled with the smaller 5.7 Hemi this combo rocks.
I can only believe it gets better with a larger engine and the A8.
6) Smooth and fast. It shifts smooth and fast on WOT and when doing spirited driving or slow lazy starts. And most know the A8 is a bit faster at the strip/LOL
I congratulate Dodge on building an amazing car and a auto transmission that is a vast improvement over your competition and one that is as close to a manual as it ever has in automotive history.
Be great to hear other member thoughts and comments on what you also appreciate about the A8 on their R/T Challenger or other models and engine size combos. and years other than the 2015
Shift on... Goodbar
Originally Posted by BigRedChief:
If you guys have not drove the new automatic 8's that are out there.......you are missing out. It is faster than a manual and shifts like a manual. Copied and pasted from another site............
Those types of transmissions have come a long way. A manual is still more fun (despite being slower). [Reply]
