[Giby]

hello everyone
I've been lurking around here for quite a while doing a bit of research on which car would be suitable for me. Last year I was knocked off my Ducati by a blind volvo driver. Amongst my many injuries was a paralysed right arm which has obviously given me a few problems. As part of my insurance claim my solicitor says I should receive a substantial payout for my injuries which I intend to use part of to buy and run a nice car for myself.
On top of my list is a 911 mainly due to the fact that I would have the option to use a steering wheel mounted gear change one handed. Porsche give the paddle shift option too but this is no good to me as I wouldn't be able to go up through the gear box only down.
I've read several posts and watched a couple of videos which as lead me to believe that the paddles on a 12c can actually be pushed as well as pulled. Can any one confirm this as it would be brilliant to put this car on my list as a possible. I know I could use the car in full auto as I do in my 5 series BMW but I'm sure I wouldn't be getting the best driving experience from the car.
One other thing. I'm not well off by any means and if it wasn't for my insurance claim I would never be in a position to buy a car like this. But after the year I've just had I want to treat myself but I am aware that I will need to maintain the car too so can anyone give me some idea of expected service costs. Any info you could give me will be greatly received.
All the best
Dean

 

[HyperMac954]

Damn Dean, that's painful to hear. Any hopes to regain strength in that arm?

Honestly, you're better off with the thumb style PDK in the 911, not to mention maintenance and insurance will be significantly less. The paddles have already been called stiff in the pull direction, and in the push, they are that much harder.

Sucks about your Duc. I got laid out on my 748 years ago by a grandma driving a Buick. Couple of broken ribs and a separated shoulder.

 

[6th element]

Sorry to hear about your injury. Yes, the paddles in the 12C are both push and pull on each side. So you can use only your left hand to change up (push) and change down (pull). It is the opposite for the right hand. The design is taken directly from McLaren's Formula One race cars. Also perhaps of some interest to you is the Pre-Cog function. You can prime the gearbox for the next gear (up or down) by pulling the paddle part way, similar to how you press the shutter button on a camera halfway to focus. Then when you are ready to complete the shift, you pull the paddle the rest of the way and the shift itself is near instantaneous. It takes some practice but very rewarding when you get it right. Also, in full auto mode, you can go instantly into manual mode by pulling a paddle. For example if you are cruising along in full auto and want to change down a gear or two to make a pass on the freeway without having to first set the box to manual. I think many paddle shift auto boxes have that feature now - I know Audi does.

If you are looking to treat yourself, you've picked the right car. It's an amazing machine. Perhaps some of the UK guys can share what running costs are projected to be. Cheers.

 

[6th element]

Damn Dean, that's painful to here. Any hopes to regain strength in that arm?

Honestly, you're better off with the thumb style PDK in the 911, not to mention maintenance and insurance will be significantly less. The paddles have already been called stiff in the pull direction, and in the push, they are that much harder.

Sucks about your Duc. I got laid out on my 748 years ago by a grandma driving a Buick. Couple of broken ribs and a separated shoulder.

Hypermac now that I drove the car I really don't see what the fuss is all about regarding the paddle effort. I didn't find them stiff at all, in fact would have liked to try the original stiffer setting.

 

[andy c]

hello everyone
I've been lurking around here for quite a while doing a bit of research on which car would be suitable for me. Last year I was knocked off my Ducati by a blind volvo driver. Amongst my many injuries was a paralysed right arm which has obviously given me a few problems. As part of my insurance claim my solicitor says I should receive a substantial payout for my injuries which I intend to use part of to buy and run a nice car for myself.
On top of my list is a 911 mainly due to the fact that I would have the option to use a steering wheel mounted gear change one handed. Porsche give the paddle shift option too but this is no good to me as I wouldn't be able to go up through the gear box only down.
I've read several posts and watched a couple of videos which as lead me to believe that the paddles on a 12c can actually be pushed as well as pulled. Can any one confirm this as it would be brilliant to put this car on my list as a possible. I know I could use the car in full auto as I do in my 5 series BMW but I'm sure I wouldn't be getting the best driving experience from the car.
One other thing. I'm not well off by any means and if it wasn't for my insurance claim I would never be in a position to buy a car like this. But after the year I've just had I want to treat myself but I am aware that I will need to maintain the car too so can anyone give me some idea of expected service costs. Any info you could give me will be greatly received.
All the best
Dean

Sorry to hear about yor predicament Dean,the paddle can be used to change up and down,and you can use the pre-cog,the only problem i can forsee is that the paddle is stiffer than most and it takes quite an effort,or extremely strong fingers to push the paddle to change.The one option you can explore is to speak directly to Mclaren,as they have changed the pressure on the paddle a couple of times to suit customers,if you explain your problem im sure they can adjust it to suit as they have a special request department that can do anything and im sure this is a very minor ajustment so the cost should be minimum,you could also contact their PR department as if you are in the right mind,they and you could use this to both your advantage

 

[AMLVantageV12]

Contact McLaren Special Operations via a dealer. They'll be able to reduce the paddle stiffness for you I'm sure.

 

[Senna]

Sorry about you accident. I was knocked off my bike a few years ago as well. Broken bones and stitches and still a slight limp, so i feel your pain. I hope all goes well for you.
The paddles on the 12C can be adjusted to suit, but you can also drive it in the full auto mode. It will take away some off the "boy racer" sensation we all love, but makes the car no less dynamic and fun to drive.

Good luck