Audi R8 Showdown! Manual vs R-Tronic vs S-Tronic -

[@sportzntouring]

Once again! Huge thanks to Jayemm on Cars for making this possible! ...On the subject of the R8s, clearly the manual is the purest driving experience, and the GT is just something else... But, which is the most aligned to the image of the R8 as the daily-drivable supercar? What do you think?

[@ERICtheLATE]

The R tronic really seems like the overall. Most likely least expensive (now), the minimum of real complication, versus electro-haydraulics, or rotator cuff-meniscus. The R tronic is smart enough, in sport mode, it shifts way up into the rev range, and cuts the throttle for you at shift. The paddles are nubby for a reason, they are for an emergency downshift for engine breaking to keep grip on all 4's. It still has the seizmic activity of the 3 pedal, but kinda has that finesse of an Indy car on the streets. Another time to use paddles is low speeds, like parking lots or city traffic, so you commit to a gear, and hold it, not slapping the aesbestos to %death for gas milage.

[@lroussou3411]

Brilliant video guys....I have a 4.2 R-Tronic and it is refreshing to hear people commenting on the true meaning of this gearbox rather than jumping in and making a judgment. Manual is brilliant but when you master the rtronic as a driver and a 4.2 V8 behind you the machine becomes alive.

[@sportzntouring]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it! Yeah, the problem is that people expect it to behave like an auto (which a DCT box can mimic) but it's a robotised manual, and has to be driven like one. It's more like a racing sequential in how you use it than an auto. That's what I think people don't get.

[@bv122]

Same here i use r-tronic like was mention in video and its so fun! once you control it and feel it. At high rpm when floored gas down i do not lift because at this 7-8k rpm r-tronic shifting like god its so raw i love it. If drivers do not lift gas when drive normal at lower rpm r-tronic trying slip the clutch to make change gear smoother which is not anyway and you riding clutch for no reason. Unfortunately at audi dealers ship they do not have clue about that :-o

[@sportzntouring]

And, of course, always put it in sport mode to reduce clutch slip 😁

[@ElliottAlvis]

Amazing, amazing video. The editing and music were on point. I especially enjoyed your description of why you love the single-clutch transmission in your R8 GT. I feel the same way. Single-clutch transmissions are my absolute favorite to drive because they are such a departure from any "normal" transmission and they make every exotic feel more exotic. Cant wait for part 2!

[@sportzntouring]

Thanks Elliot! I just wish @Life of Palos could see what you see... I really want to get featured on his channel and I thought, if any video would, it would be this one... But there's always part 2! Congrats on getting featured on his channel by the way! Well deserved!

[@ElliottAlvis]

@@sportzntouring you’ll get noticed man, you have to with content like this!

[@sportzntouring]

Thanks dude! Gonna keep grinding! Perseverance is usually the answer. Thanks for the support 🤙

[@AshrafonCars]

I still think your car and the V8 both look better than the new car. Great vid as always!

[@sportzntouring]

Thanks dude! Yeah, I agree on looks... Especially the Spyder for me, but I might be biased 😆

[@denisofob]

That gated shifter is perfection

[@sportzntouring]

It's very very nice!!

[@RaufCars]

Thoroughly enjoyed this one, intro says it all, great cinematics as well!

[@sportzntouring]

Thanks bro! I've got to thank James for those drive by shots! They made the video for me!

[@RaufCars]

Eyes closed at 7:04!

[@sportzntouring]

@@RaufCars I know right! I tried to stay calm but I was freaking out on the inside! All I was thinking is, what if that biker wrecked the front of a heritage fleet R8 that was of such significance! 😬

[@RaufCars]

@@sportzntouring exactly, just glad it didn't touch!

[@Sa3Tv]

Can't go wrong with the original 4.2 v8 R8! But we both know which R8 i would pick 😉🔥 Love the video as always!!!

[@sportzntouring]

He he, I can guess 😉 Glad you enjoyed it!!🙏

[@markjonessr1409]

Completely perfect video explaining the gearboxes!

[@sportzntouring]

Thank you Mark. We hope it also entertained. There's more on our R8 GT ownership experience in this playlist, if you're interested: kzbin.info/aero/PLac3G86Co_hz4-6iLy9b2w76HzoPtJn7j Thanks for watching 🤙🏽

[@cliff.sl.0075]

Nice video dude. I have a 2012 V10 and I love my R-tronic!!

[@sportzntouring]

Thank you! And thanks for watching! I quite enjoy it too. Hope you get a chance to enjoy our other R8 content here... kzbin.info/aero/PLac3G86Co_hz4-6iLy9b2w76HzoPtJn7j

[@Nuclearpigeons]

Great video as always, keep it up!

[@sportzntouring]

Thanks for watching! Appreciate the support! 🤜🏾💥🤛🏾

[@hughstultz7849]

Good comparison. I have always respected the R8 V8. They look better in the flesh but have never been fully convinced by the styling. .

[@sportzntouring]

I'm not as into the coupé styling either. I much prefer the Spyder from a styling point of view.

[@matthewwolf1216]

Love the vid, you got me sold on the Manual. V10 Spyder of course.

[@sportzntouring]

Nice! We hope is all you expect it to be and have many happy miles driving it 😎

[@christhechrisallen]

Nice work - keep it up, fellas

[@sportzntouring]

Thanks Chris!!!

[@fivestarcars9215]

Great vid ant, i do love a clunking manual v8 gearbox pity they didnt put it in the 2020 model, the s tronic single clutch suits the gt its more of a weekend raw car for fun then the newer r8s!

[@sportzntouring]

I think the double clutch cars can be mapped to have a harsher change. It does shift harder and faster when you are driving hard. What's missing for me is the drama and engagement... Kinda like a sequential box. That's what the R-Tronic gives you.

[@jonathansia96]

Bloopers at the end 🤣

[@sportzntouring]

Glad you enjoyed 😁

[@williamtsang3957]

No matter a R-tronic or E-gear, as long as you drive it like a manual car, you will enjoy the car very much. If they drive only on auto mode, trust the clutch will wear out quick

[@sportzntouring]

Absolutely! You got it! That's the problem, that people treat it like an auto... Thanks for watching 👍

[@peterwood2633]

Do wonder what the V10 is like too. It looks like you can have a lot of fun with theV8 but gated V10 is extra exotic. I will get a gated R8 one day!

[@sportzntouring]

I'm looking forward to trying one out too. Thanks for watching 🤙🏾

[@johntearle]

Thank you for the great video! Interesting to hear your thoughts and great that the R-Tronic gives you the entertainment you want in the GT 👍 Would love to see your thoughts on the manual V10 some day, and looking forward to part 2.

[@sportzntouring]

Thanks John! I appreciate your support! Watch this space.

[@johntearle]

@@sportzntouring My pleasure mate. You guys are great.

[@sportzntouring]

@@johntearle awww thank you🙏

[@MrGB1999]

Single clutch ECU are programmed to enable the driver to keep their foot pressed into the throttle when shifting. There is no slip. The jerk you feel is simply gearbox inertia when the clutch is disengaging and re-engaging - just like when you depress the clutch in a standard manual car - the passenger will move forward in their seat. In a single clutch, it is just a much faster version of the same motion. A very slight pause. I think, quite a dramatic one. "Lifting off" is something you haven't needed to do since the very early days of these gearboxes (355s and early 360). Since then the programming of single clutch ECU (TCU) has moved on a lot. This is is a classic case of KZbin Chinese whispers. Single clutch gearboxes provide far more drama and engagement than DCTs which are simply passionless simulations of what a manual car is / used to be. If you can't feel anything then what is the point of it? 🤷🏻‍♂️ One day people (even KZbin people) will realise this..

[@sportzntouring]

Thanks for the detailed comment. But, if you want a smoother gear change, a slight lift is how you get it. If you are driving hard, and want the hard shift, you stay flat. Regarding the clutch wear, I appreciate the thoughts, but wonder what your basis is for this? It's just that the advice I've had on this is from highly credible sources, including an ex Audi engineer (manufacturer, not a dealer tech)... And that inertia gets dissipated somewhere, no?

[@ERICtheLATE]

Just checking in!

[@sportzntouring]

Welcome! Check in any time 🤙

[@chiquitabananana9641]

Great review! But I have to say, it sounded to me like maybe you didn't have the S-tronic in Sport mode.

[@sportzntouring]

I'm pretty sure we had set it to sport mode. I think it's just that we were comparing the experience with the R-Tronic which is much more robust in its changes. As we said, the S-Tronic is a much better box but just less entertaining for us. Thanks for watching :-)

[@user-1500HP]

When going fast there is no need to lift when changing gear for faster shift. Lifting is only for normal driving gearchange, to try and smooth out gear changes. S-Tronic is amazing in sport mode. If you wanted drama from this then try manual mode

[@sportzntouring]

Indeed. I think we said this in the video. Thanks for watching 👍

[@WuFluChan]

The Rtronic is the most fun I’ve ever had with a gearbox period I don’t care what anyone says, just don’t put it in automatic mode then it’s the worst gearbox ever😂

[@sportzntouring]

It is much better than people say, for sure... But more fun than a gated manual?

[@masudorex7593]

Intriguing perspective and great vid. It definitely adds a degree of involvement and subsequent drama that a DCT takes away. It would be interesting to see you guys compare your R8 GT t0 an equivalent era Gallardo, given the similar underpinnings of R8s and V10 lambs, and especially in comparing the R Tronic and E-Gear shift. Would be an interesting followup!

[@sportzntouring]

Thanks! Hope we can find a way to make that happen some day 👍

[@simonjagassar]

ah.. r tronic ? click paddle first ? then lift the throttle ? good to know

[@sportzntouring]

It's the same for the E-Gear and our friend owns a Scud with the old Ferrari F1 gearbox and says you do the same with that. There's a skill to getting the timing right that means you need to get to know the car... It's flawed, but that's what makes it interesting.

[@grahamnutt8958]

Heck....... watching this at silly o'clock (5am) in the morning as I couldn't go to bed b4 watching. Interesting comparison. Unable to judge without driving these - admit a preference to manual gearbox despite having a very ancient 3 speed auto classic. At least it has 8 cylinders lmao. In my opinion - Audi should be "quattro".... not FF nor FR/MR. 1983 or thereabouts changed the game. Stereotyping? Maybe. ❤ Damani's dreadlocks. Trojan Records for the winner 🤟👍.

[@sportzntouring]

Wow, thank you for staying up to watch it Graham! I hope you enjoyed it. I also have a manual bias but for me, I wanted that paddle shift experience. It's still a novelty for me... As for Quattro v RWD... Coming up in the next video 👍

[@grahamnutt8958]

@@sportzntouring How could I not enjoy your content? Clint Eastwood said something along the lines of 101 reasons - but couldn't think of one lol.... Oh, different subject/movie lol. Movie quotes are good; better when quoted in context 😜. I still haven't gone to bed ffs. Are you an early riser? I prefer my 🍳 sunny side up if you're cooking up some breakfast...... bacon and mushrooms optional 😜

[@sportzntouring]

@@grahamnutt8958 ha ha ha! Yeah, I'm up early most days. Usually working on something for the channel before work. Today, I'm trying to start the day slowly though.

[@grahamnutt8958]

@@sportzntouring Enjoy your breakfast and coffee/tea/orange juice or whatever your preferred beverage happens to be. Off to bed and very unlikely to surface until at least 3.00pm! Due to the "beast from the east" my central heating will definitely be on constant, albeit 10°C.... it takes the chill off - just! Peace.

[@sportzntouring]

@@grahamnutt8958 thank you! Rest up!

[@crossphaded]

Would've been a much better comparison if you just took a Gen 1 V10 Manual vs V10 R-Tronic cs V10 S-Tronic. This is like apples to oranges to bananas. 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@sportzntouring]

I think we actually said that in the video! 😉 And, when you're a small KZbinr you don't "just" take such cars. We were lucky to even have these... However, when you have enough experience you can reasonably compare transmissions in cars this similar even if they're not otherwise identical and get a decent idea. Thanks for the comment though 👍

[@craigwalker2640]

If you want to try a facelift gen1 V10plus I store mine right next to yours. Dm me

[@craigwalker2640]

You must be local to me as well judging by the roads you drove on.

[@sportzntouring]

That's cool! Small world! Not sure how to DM you... Can you drop us a DM on either: IG: instagram.com/sportzntouring FB: facebook.com/sportzntouring

[@younesagha1891]

S tronic is the Best

[@sportzntouring]

It's the best from a pure performance point of view, but not the best from an engagement point of view... It all depends on what meets your wants and preferences 😉

[@chrismcgoldrick1378]

What the hell does PS mean? Does he mean BHP??

[@sportzntouring]

Thanks for asking. Yeah, PS is metric horsepower. 1 PS is 0.986hp so quite close. For example, the McLaren 720s is called that because it has 720PS which is actually around 710hp (in old money). Most European manufacturers publish PS as their power figures. Often, people will just say "Horsepower" though because PS stands for Pferdestärke which is German for horsepower. What we'll do is put the HP equivalent on the screen in future for those that aren't familiar with PS (we thought it was widely known these days). Thanks for watching 🤙

[@xjk5Mikel]

Manual for ever

[@sportzntouring]

If you drove a manual and the GT back to back, the handling, responsiveness and overall experience of the GT might change your mind 😉 It really is that different! (Unless you wanted a softer daily driver, in which case, yeah the manual would make that more fun)

[@xjk5Mikel]

@@sportzntouring Thats the point! Thanks for answering!

[@sportzntouring]

No problem... The GTs are so rare that few people will ever see one let alone drive one. And despite it having the R-Tronic, I'd choose it over a manual standard R8 every time just because it's such a different and visceral experience... But, the standard R8s don't have that character so the manual would be the most fun in that case so I guess we agree 😁

[@xjk5Mikel]

@@sportzntouring by the way, I was looking for a review of the standar Lotus evora, because everyone told me that I must go for an Evora S, but my budget is just for an normal Evora. Whats your oppinion about the NA Evora? Do you have a review? Thanks again!

[@sportzntouring]

No, but "JayEmm On Cars" probably does. He used to own an Evora and has reviews of several variants on his channel.

[@MR94JOKER]

why the poor black guy didn't get to drive any of them

[@sportzntouring]

Ha ha, I assume you mean my son? He's too young to be insured by the manufacturer... But, his time came later... kzbin.info/www/bejne/rKekaWChmrCAqqM

[@MR94JOKER]

@@sportzntouring 😂😂 haha, He's lucky then

[@floridabill5494]

V8 is slow R tronic is crap Manual V10 all day 👍🏼

[@sportzntouring]

Just out of curiosity, have you tested them all? Have you driven a GT? The GT is a whole different experience. The package, including the R-Tronic, is overall a more engaging drive. I'd sacrifice the manual for the overall experience of the GT. The V8 isn't slow, not for its time or for its purpose and price point. Sure it's *slower* but it's not slow... And as I said, the R-Tronic has its flaws, but in the GT it actually adds to the character of the car... So maybe we'll have to agree to disagree on that point.