When SMG is in its manual mode, the driver controls the shifts, of course. This is achieved with either a pair of steering wheel
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| Deactivate the Dynamic Stability Control system before choosing the S6 Drivelogic program ,and then hold on tight. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
mounted paddles, a la Formula-1, or by tipping the console mounted stick fore or aft depending on whether it's a climb up the ladder or down. Maximizing the potential of SMG takes a few practice runs. I found it best to keep a steady and even foot on the throttle and just let the SMG technology do what it does better than most if not all humans - shift gears. Resisting the urge to release the throttle when ordering a shift change smoothens out the process, regardless of whether you're rowing up or down through the gears. As an added bonus, the technology blips the throttle when downshifting to ensure engine speed meets the anticipated need. It makes you sound like a pro.
So, you're thinking that the Bratwurst boys did a pretty good job importing track technology to the street, but without a clutch how does a person power-launch an SMG-equipped M car? Easy. Deactivate the Dynamic Stability Control system and choose the S6, Drivelogic program. With the car stationary, tip the stick shift forward and
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| Within milliseconds the tachometer will reach 7,900 rpm. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
push the throttle to the floor. The engine will rev to 3,500-rpm, when the stick shift is released the full force of 333-horsepower will expel itself through the M3's rear wheels, lighting them up like Roman candles and thrusting the attached body forward like a bullet. Within milliseconds the tachometer will reach 7,900 rpm, setting off a series of shift lights indicating its time for the next cog. Tap the paddle on the right side of the steering wheel or pull back on the stick shift and .08 seconds later the rear tires light up again as second gear takes over. This is a tremendous open-air ride, full of G-force and raging auditory intrusions. Not to dampen the spirits though, this sort of motoring should only be undertaken on a closed course where safety can be assured.
