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The Sportshift gearbox has had a hard time with the press over the years and so we thought we would write a short overview to explain why it is actually a very good system.To accompany this piece, there is also a practical and informative video filmed in conjunction with Aston Martin Heritage Trust.
Firstly, Sport-shift is not an automatic.It is an automated, single clutch manual.A system was that devised by Aston Martin because of the clear links with racing.This is where the problem starts as many have considered it an auto.It definitely isn’t. It requires more interaction with throttle load to ensure fast, smooth changes.Frankly, it is not as smooth or seamless when driven in “Auto” mode.To the point that we would suggest that 80% of the time, you should probably drive it on the paddles.
To get the best out of Sportshift, we recommend always driving it on the paddles.It requires you to ease of the throttle (just like a manual) as you change gear.With practice, you can co-ordinate just easing the throttle load and making the change seamless.It is interactive, fun and satisfying to learn.It does, however, require a bit more work than a full auto whilst saving your clutch leg!
The Sportshift is the same concept as a BMW SMG, Lamborghini E-Gear, or Ferrari F1 transmission.It’s is a closely related system with the Ferrari F1 also using a Graziano box, albeit with the programming being unique to Aston Martin.
There are also a number of variants of Sportshift, at evolved over the years.It started life in the Newport Pagnell Vanquish and then was used in the VH Vantage range.There were three versions in total.
Here is an overview of the variants. They are all very usable but the system did get slicker and more usable with time.
Sportshift 1
This was a six speed unit. Good system but there are way to get the best out of it all the boxes (as shown in the video below).Sportshift 1 was more likely to run through the clutch. There are things you can do to mitigate this – idle for 20 seconds before initially pulling away, allowing the clutch to do a relearn. Always flick into neutral when static (pull back both paddles) and be mindful that reverse is equivalent to 2nd gear so is very tall – therefore care is required when reversing up hill.
These are all common sense elements and if observed, it is a very good unit. It was last used in 2012 model year V8 Vantage.
Sportshift 2
The first big different with the next generation of Sportshift is that it is a 7-speed system that was introduced as a performance enhancement for V8 Vantage S. It was later used in the rest of the Vantage range.
The system was not only lighter by 24kgs, it also had a lower reverse gear to combat the issue of version 1.In driving the Sportshift 2, it is also quicker and slicker. It had Hill Start Assist which was another nice feature, allowing a momentary pause on the brakes to allow a clean hill start.
This system also no longer allows downshifts at inappropriate engines speeds and also allows block-shifting. This allows multiple down shifts that can be requested to assist with a rapid acceleration response. For example, 3 simple clicks of the "-" paddle will change from 7th to 4th gear for overtaking
Sportshift 3
This version was introduced with the introduction of the V12 Vantage S which moved from being manual to Sportshift for faster changes and an extra ratio over the 6 speed manual. The features remain the same as per version 2 but Aston Martin switched to Bosch engine management both here and elsewhere in the range. This next generation system allowed crisper, more responsive interaction making the gearbox that little bit slicker once again.
So the video below is well worth a watch but in summary, Sportshift is not an alternative to an auto. It is not as fast to chance as a dual clutch transmission but it shifts considerably faster than anyone could possibly execute manually. It also has that wonderful interaction element, more similar to a manual gearbox that requires skill to get the smoothest and fastest shift. It therefore provides this interaction without the need to pump a clutch pedal.
5 Top Sportshift Tips:
o It is recommend that only the right foot is used to operate the footbrake and accelerator, in order to limit clutch drag and excessive wear
o On initial cold start we recommend you allow the engine to idle in N for 10 seconds before selecting D or R, so the clutch can perform a brief learn sequence
o To increase gear change refinement, with a firmer throttle input, ease off the throttle for the short period of time it takes the TCU to change gear
o On a shallow incline of less than 4%, we recommend that the handbrake is applied when stationary to prevent rollback, as Hill Start Assist won't function on shallow incline
o On no account should the car be held on an incline by use of the throttle, as this will cause premature clutch wear
We will publish a full Sportshift driving guide elsewhere on this HWM blog.
If you are still curious, take a Sportshift for a drive with somebody who really knows the system. Those that fully understand it, tend to love it.
Watch this video to learn more!