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We are sharing this comprehensive guide on driving the Aston Martin Sportshift gearbox because it has been regularly misunderstood over the years. The system is very slick and superb fun, when used correctly. This guide will help you get the best out of the transmission.
The V8 Vantage S incorporates a 7-speed Sportshift II(I)) automated manual transmission which features closer gear ratios and a shorter differential ratio to those installed in the 6-speed unit on the earlier V8 Vantage.
This 7-speed unit offers quicker and more linear acceleration because the reduced drop in engine speed between gear changes means the engine can operate in the optimum part of the torque curve when accelerating.
There are two driving modes for Sportshift II.
The first is “Paddle Shift Mode”
This is the mode where the driver will make gear shifts by using the paddles.
The expectation when using this mode is that the driver will make gearshifts at the appropriate time according to their driving style, but within the safe working parameters of the engine.
The second is “Auto Drive Mode”
This is the mode where the gearbox Transmission Control Unit (TCU) will make automated gearshifts.
The expectation when using this mode is that the TCU will change gear at the appropriate time according to speed, throttle position and driving style and in doing so, keep the driver in the most appropriate gear at all times. V8 Vantage S Sportshift II Driving Guide 3
Sportshift II Automated Manual Transmission
The transmission fitted to the V8 Vantage S Sportshift 11 is not sequential. With a sequential gearbox, the driver has to follow the sequence of gears, e.g. to change from 5th to 2nd the driver will need to select 4th 3rd and then 2nd. This type of gearbox is fitted to some race cars and motor bikes.
With an automated manual transmission, the driver can select any gear, e.g. change directly from 5th to 2nd without selecting any intermediate gears.
Note that the target gear has to be within the safe working parameters of the engine. If not, the TCU will select the most appropriate gear.
Clutch Bedding-In
In order to optimise clutch durability, it is prudent to refrain from using maximum throttle applications during the first 1,000 miles (1,600km) to enable the clutch plate surfaces to bed-in.
Operating a V8 S Sportshift II Car
Entering the Car
When the driver’s door is opened, a pump can be heard running. This pump is pressurising the hydraulic system so that when the ignition is activated, a gear selection can be made instantly.
Starting the Engine
The car has to be in Neutral before the engine can be started. Neutral can be selected by pressing and releasing the “N” button or pulling and releasing both “+” and “-” paddles simultaneously.
However, a feature of the V8 Vantage S Sportshift II is that the TCU will select Neutral when the control unit is fully inserted into the docking station prior to cranking the engine.
There will be a slight delay when using this method because the steering lock has to disengage and the TCU has to select neutral before cranking the engine. When Neutral has been selected the LED will be illuminated. V8 Vantage S Sportshift II Driving Guide 4
Note that the brake pedal has to be applied for any of the above functions to operate.
The sound of the gear selection will be heard at the rear of the car as the gearbox and differential units are mounted within a single housing in this location. This combined unit is known as a transaxle.
When starting the engine from cold, it is beneficial to allow it to idle in neutral for 10 seconds before selecting a gear. This will allow the TCU to update its settings for the “bite point” of the clutch.
The TCU actually closes the clutch whilst the car is in neutral and senses when the propshaft starts to turn. This allows the system to compensate for clutch wear.
Paddle Shift Mode
Gear selections are made by pulling and releasing the appropriate “+” or “-” paddle according to which gear is required. The gear selected will appear in the Gear Position Indicator Display (GPID), which is located centrally between the speedometer and tachometer, and the left-hand message centre.
“Normal” is the default mode when turning on the ignition. There is no message in the left-hand message centre apart from the actual gear that has been selected. The speed of the gearshifts in this mode is proportional to the speed of the car and throttle opening.
This mode will give a more comfortable gearshift which is particularly relevant when driving in an urban environment.
There is an automated up-shift in this mode. As the engine revs increase, the indicated gear in the GPID will change from white to flashing red at 6,650 rpm. An automated up-shift will occur at 7,000 rpm should the driver not make an up-shift by use of the “+” paddle.
Note, for the first 1,250 miles of the engine life (2,000 km), the indicated gear will change from white to flashing red at 5,650 rpm.
Sport mode is selected by pressing and releasing the “SPORT” button. The LED will illuminate and the word “SPORT” will be illuminated in the left-hand message centre.
The speed of the gear shifts is proportional to the speed of the car and throttle opening but, with the same input parameters, they will be faster than those in normal mode. V8 Vantage S Sportshift II Driving Guide 5
There is no automated up-shift in Sport mode. As the revs increase, the indicated gear in the GPID will change from white to flashing red at 6,650 rpm and reach a soft-cut rev limiter at 7,400 rpm (1st gear) or 7,450 rpm (2nd to 7th gears).
In both Normal and Sport mode, if the driver fails to downshift by use of the “-” paddle, the TCU will make an automated downshift. The actual engine rpm at which this will occur varies according to whether or not the brake pedal is applied and which gear is being selected.
Multiple gear shifts can be made by pulling and releasing the appropriate paddle quickly the relevant number of times to reach the target gear. The target gear will be selected provided it is within the safe working parameters of the engine. If the target gear is outside the safe working parameters, the TCU will select the most appropriate gear.
To obtain the fastest possible up-shifts, the following parameters are required:
a) Have Sport selected
b) Be over 5,000 rpm and
c) Have over 70% throttle opening
Sport mode can be selected and de-selected at any time whilst driving by pressing and releasing the “SPORT” button. If Sport mode is selected when the ignition is turned off, the Normal mode will be selected when the ignition is next turned on.
When driving with firmer throttle applications, a smoother up-shift can be achieved by slightly easing off the throttle for the length of time it takes the TCU to change gear and then progressively re-applying the throttle. This technique will require practice, but once achieved, will lead to a highly rewarding driving experience.
Auto Drive Mode
This mode is selected by pressing and releasing the “D” button on the centre stack and the LED will illuminate. The letter “D” will appear in the GPID and the relevant gear will be shown in the left hand message centre, i.e. “D1”, “D2” etc.
This mode can be selected whilst stationary or when driving in Paddle Shift mode.
Normal is the default mode when in Auto Drive.
This mode will give a more comfortable gearshift which is particularly relevant when driving in slow moving traffic or an urban environment. V8 Vantage S Sportshift II Driving Guide 6
The point at which automated up and down gear shifts are made is infinitely variable according to speed, throttle position and driving style.
Sport is selected by pressing and releasing the “SPORT” button. The LED will illuminate and the word “SPORT” will appear in the left-hand message centre.
As in Normal mode, the point at which automated up and down gear shifts are made is infinitely variable according to speed, throttle position and driving style. However, with the same input parameters, they will be at higher engine speeds and faster than those in Normal mode.
The Sport mode can be selected and de-selected at any time whilst driving by pressing and releasing the “SPORT” button. If Sport mode is selected when the ignition is turned off, the Normal mode will be selected when the ignition is next turned on.
In Normal mode, the maximum revs that can be obtained before an automated up-shift occurs are 7,100 rpm. However, in Sport mode, the maximum revs are raised to 7,250rpm.
To induce an automated downshift for rapid acceleration, a lower gear can be selected by pressing the throttle pedal firmly. With full throttle applied (kick-down), the TCU will select the lowest gear available relative to the road speed of the car.
Automated downshifts can also be made with lesser throttle applications but the target gear may not be as low as if it were induced by kick-down.
The use of the brake pedal will change the automated down-shift point in proportion with the rate of deceleration.
Additionally, both the up-shift and downshift points will change if the system detects an incline (by measuring engine torque and road speed), so that the vehicle is always in the most appropriate gear and the engine remains at the most responsive rpm.
In Auto Drive Mode the TCU will up-shift to the highest available gear relative to the speed of the car. However, there can be a short delay if the driver is lifting off the throttle from high rpm. This is to protect the driver who is driving spiritedly and about to enter a corner or apply the brakes by preventing the TCU making an unnecessary up-shift.
The Auto Drive mode can also detect when the car is in, or exiting a corner and will prevent an up-shift to maintain car stability. V8 Vantage S Sportshift II Driving Guide 7
To obtain the fastest possible up-shifts in “D” mode, the following parameters are required:
a) Have Sport selected
b) Be over 5,000 rpm
c) Have over 70% throttle opening
Auto Drive mode can be de-selected by pulling and releasing either paddle whilst driving. This mode is also de-selected when the ignition is turned off.
Reverse
Reverse is selected whilst stationary with the brake pedal applied from either neutral, paddle shift 1st or “D1” by pressing and releasing the “R” button. The LED will illuminate and a single audible warning tone will sound.
We would recommend that whenever possible, the driver gains some momentum in reverse before applying steering lock. This reduces friction from the front tyres, which in turn, reduces clutch slip.
Centre Stack buttons
When using the centre stack buttons, the relevant LED will illuminate once the request has been met. For example, the “SPORT” and “D” button LED’s will illuminate immediately as this is an electronic request to the TCU. However, the “R” and “N” button LED’s will be delayed until the action of selecting reverse or neutral have been made.
Likewise, the GPID will display the selected gear once the action of the gear selection has been made.
Gear Selection from Stationary
To select either 1st or Reverse whilst stationary, the driver must have the footbrake applied. However, when the car has been brought to a halt, if a subsequent gearshift is made within one second, the footbrake does not have to be applied. V8 Vantage S Sportshift II Driving Guide 8
Accidental Gear Selection whilst Driving
Whilst driving in a forward direction, neutral could be accidentally selected either by pressing the “N” button or pulling and releasing both paddles simultaneously.
Should this occur, by pulling and releasing either the “+” or “-” paddle, the TCU will select the most appropriate gear according to the speed of the vehicle. If the “D” button is selected, then again, the TCU will select the most appropriate gear according to the speed of the vehicle.
Whilst driving forward, if the “R” button is accidentally selected, there will be no action.
Door Safety Interface
In some circumstances a driver may wish to manoeuvre the car at slow speeds from standstill with the door open.
To achieve this, with the driver’s door closed, select the required gear (1st or Reverse) with the footbrake applied. Then open the driver’s door keeping the foot brake applied.
With the door open, release the footbrake and gently apply pressure to the throttle pedal and the car will move in the relevant direction. With the door open, if no pressure is detected on either the throttle or brake pedal, after three seconds, the TCU will select neutral.
Hill Start Assist
The V8 Vantage S Sportshift II incorporates the above feature.
This allows a driver to pull away from stationary on an incline without roll-back.
If the car is brought to a halt on an incline using the foot brake, when the foot brake is subsequently released in readiness to pull away, the braking system will hold the car stationary for approximately two seconds. This will give the driver adequate time to apply a throttle input to pull away.
When using this technique, there is no need to apply the hand-brake when stationary or synchronise the release of the hand-brake as the throttle is applied. V8 Vantage S Sportshift II Driving Guide 9
However, as with any car, consideration should be given to how long the car is held stationary with the footbrake applied. This is particularly relevant at night or in rain because the car’s brake lights may dazzle the driver of the car behind.
If the wait is going to be for a reasonable period of time (e.g. level crossing, road works etc) consider applying the hand-brake and selecting neutral. To move off, apply the foot-brake, select first gear (or D) and release the hand-brake. As the foot-brake is released, the driver has approximately two seconds to apply the throttle.
This feature also works when bringing a car to a halt using the brake pedal on a forward facing slope in readiness for reversing backwards up an incline. After Reverse is selected, the driver has approximately two seconds after releasing the brake-pedal to apply the throttle to commence reversing.
The Hill Start Assist feature is calibrated to work on inclines of 4% and greater. On shallow inclines of less than 4%, the handbrake should be applied when stationary to prevent roll-back.
On no account should the car be held on an incline by use of the throttle as this will cause premature clutch wear.
Parking
The normal car status when the ignition is turned off is for the TCU to select 1st gear.
When parking on an “uphill” slope, turn the wheels towards the centre of the road and turn the ignition off in the normal manner.
To leave the car in reverse, select “R” and turn the ignition off. If parking on a “downhill” slope, turn the wheels towards the kerb.
To leave the car in Neutral (for towing or pushing) quickly pull and release both paddles simultaneously twice (an audible warning tone will sound and a relevant message will display in the right hand message centre) and turn the ignition off.
The gear selected at ignition off will be engaged when the ignition is subsequently turned on. V8 Vantage S Sportshift II Driving Guide 10
Clutch Warnings
As with any manual car, excessive demands can be placed on the clutch by holding the car on an incline with a light throttle input or crawling in very slow moving traffic in too high a gear.
When driving in extremely slow conditions, especially on an incline, consideration should be given to self-selecting 1st gear to reduce clutch slip.
In the unlikely event of the clutch overheating, there is a two stage warning system.
Stage 1
An amber warning light will illuminate and a single audible warning tone will sound. The message “Clutch Overheat Brake or Pull Away” will be displayed in the right hand message centre.
The driver should reduce the demand on the clutch by either increasing demand on the throttle (provided there is space to accelerate into) which will close the clutch, or release the throttle pedal and apply the brake pedal and which will open the clutch.
Both of these actions will remove the clutch-slip which has caused the clutch overheating.
If the demand on the clutch is not reduced and the clutch temperature continues to rise, the second stage of clutch overheat strategy will be implemented.
Stage 2
The amber warning light will illuminate and a slow repeating audible warning tone will sound.
The message “Clutch Protect Mode” and “Shift Comfort Reduced” will be displayed as a rolling message in the right hand message centre until the clutch temperature returns to normal operating temperatures.
During this period, gearshifts and moving off performance will be degraded to allow the clutch to cool.
The driver should reduce demand on the clutch as recommended in stage 1. V8 Vantage S Sportshift II Driving Guide 11
Maximum speed in each gear (Paddle Shift Sport Mode)
1st = 42mph (68kph)
2nd = 64mph (103kph)
3rd = 86mph (138kph)
4th = 109mph (175kph)
5th = 134mph (216kph)
6th = 163mph (262kph)
7th = 189mph (304kph)
Note that the soft-cut rev limiter operates at 7,000rpm in Neutral, 7,300 in 1st gear and 7,400 in 2nd to 7th gears.
Top tips for driving Sportshift 2:
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 With Sportshift II it is not possible to over rev the engine or select an inappropriate gear
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 Multiple down shifts 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
o We recommend using D Mode Normal in heavy traffic within an urban environment
o D Mode Sport provides best results in free flowing traffic conditions
o On a shallow incline of less than 4%, we recommend that the handbrake should be applied when stationary to prevent roll back, as Hill Start Assist will not function on a 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