Whether you are a flappy paddle fan or not, the reality is that many vehicles are switching to a dual clutch transmission. The thrill of going through the gears is still there, it just happens in a fraction of a second instead of how long it takes for your brain to interact with your leg and arm. Some manufactures such as Porsche have put the kabosh on manual transmissions only selling the new Turbo and GT3 models in their PDK transmission. Having owned several paddle shift cars from the Ferrari 360, BMW 135, Porsche Turbo, and Mercedes CLS, I am a fan. But with flappy paddles comes 2 questions I ask myself. Would I enjoy paddle shift cars more in my late teens and early twenties, or with age brings the laziness of shifting. And what is the future for clutch companies like Clutch Masters, Spec, Exedy with all of these dual clutch transmissions. Its not a simple change or upgrade with these boxes. Even further, since these transmissions have a power limit and are not easily upgradeable, where does that put the performance world? Just some thoughts to ponder!
In the meantime, those crazy guys at RevoZport have made owning a flappy paddle Mercedes that much more fun with their new AMG Paddle Shift upgrade for models including: A45,CLA45, C63, E63,ML63, SL63, CLK63, SLS, S63.etc. The CNC machined aluminum paddle extensions fit over the stock ones making them look flush and 1 piece. The paddles give you a more erognomic approach to shifting through the gears while taking the turns on or off the race track. Definitely a cool product and one you will hopefully see on our Project CLA45!
The new RevoZport billet aluminum large paddles are quite impressive for the Mercedes vehicles. I have always been a huge paddle fan having made some in the past for the old BMW E46 M3, Audi A3, and Porsche PDK. In the case of RevoZport, you stick to what you do well, as they have made these beyond perfect for the Mercedes platforms. The all CNC machined paddles have some weight behind them. They wrap almost perfectly with the contour of the steering wheel and have pockets to easily attach to the stock paddles for a flush look. Its a pretty simple installation just using double sided tape. To get the best attachment, if you wipe down both surfaces with alcohol, then apply some thin 3m tape, they will be like one. The machined pockets, lasered + and – signs, as well as the bottom logo are really nice touches. Another cool touch to the paddles is that they even look OEM from the back staring in from the front windshield. RevoZport designed these as if they belong on the car from the factory. Shifting works for most all the surface area except the very top. Because of where the switch is, if you try to press on the top of the paddles, its hard to get a shift. But overall, as installed on our Mercedes CLA45, we are very stoked on the fit and finish.
1) The logo area can be had paddle-colored, i.e., same silver color as the body of the paddle.I could live with that
2) The fit at the outside of the left OE paddle doesn't look flush...or is that my imagination? It looks different from the right side but I'd really need it equally flush on both sides.
Vivid - The fit at the outside of the left OE paddle doesn't look flush...or is that my imagination? It looks different from the right side but I'd really need it equally flush on both sides.
Thanks.
I agree.
but also, whats the group buy price to Sydney, Australia?
Revozport suggests using adhesive or epoxy glue to attached the aluminum paddle shift.
Glue = they are on for good.
Double sided tape = they will come off at some point. The leverage from pulling at the top of the paddle will mean they will start to come away at the bottom.
Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.
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