Petition for real manual transmission mode

[AndyGT]

Hi guys,

what do you think about initiating some kind of petition for getting a software update that includes a real manual transmission mode for the 3.3GT?

I mean it should be feasible for Kia to develop a software that provides that. Further it is a feature that we all would like to see in our Stingers, right? Maybe we could use the power of our community to ask for MT. It would improve the value of our cars and they would realize that the owners (and early adopters / enthusiasts) out there are really asking for that. I don‘t want to see MT as a new and exclusive feature for the next gen Stingers as long as it could be easily implemented in the current gen with a simple software update.

Let me know your opinions...

Greetings
Andy

 

[BlackGhost]

100%. Very keen for an improvement here. It’s my biggest disappointment on an otherwise fantastic car. I’ve said as much on post sales surveys.... pls call me so I can explain etc

I was on wet greasy roads today, and in the curvy sections the last thing u need is a gear change when you’re not expecting it. It’s actually a safety issue, requiring a quick steering correction that not everyone can cope with. And take corners slower is not the answer, otherwise I would have bought a Camry

 

[Euljiro1ga]

Can the 2.0T also get full manual mode?

 

[Gdank]

I'm sure there a lot of enthusiasts out there that would buy a manual, however in terms of sales it would 0.01% on a car that isn't going to sell millions. Therefore the cost of development and testing vs extra sales wouldn't be a good business for Kia.

Most people these days care more about 0-60 times than a more engaged driving experience, hence why so many companies only give automatic options.

Please get a petition going, ask Kia a ton of time, etc... but I wouldn't expect anything happening.


EDIT: I agree with a software patch to give us more manual control over the gears when using paddles, especially when in Sport+ Mode! (Or custom for US/others)

 

[Grayt 8]

100%. Very keen for an improvement here. It’s my biggest disappointment on an otherwise fantastic car. I’ve said as much on post sales surveys.... pls call me so I can explain etc

I was on wet greasy roads today, and in the curvy sections the last thing u need is a gear change when you’re not expecting it. It’s actually a safety issue, requiring a quick steering correction that not everyone can cope with. And take corners slower is not the answer, otherwise I would have bought a Camry

What behavior is the manual mode exhibiting that causes an issue in a situation like this? I am annoyed with it reverting back to automatic at every stop sign, even in sport mode.

 

[AndyGT]

EDIT: I agree with a software patch to give us more manual control over the gears when using paddles, especially when in Sport+ Mode! (Or custom for US/others)

That‘s what I was talking about. A software fix that let us stay in some kind of manual mode (with the paddles) without switching gears automatically again after a while.

 

[Chris]

Doubt they will update the current model, but someone posted in this forum the other day, that article in Russian. It said they were adding a LSD for the AWD and changing theanual mode settings so it will hold a gear against the red line.

 

[Vaoh]

Do you mean a full manual mode with the automatic transmission? I know the lower end models that have a shift by cable setup have a dedicated manual mode like most other shift by cable setups (Move the shifter to the left when the car is in D), that when combined with the paddles do allow for a sort of full manual experience. It does however upshift at redline without user input, but that can be disabled if you turn off traction control I believe. Otherwise I haven't seen anything on the the higher end shift by wire setup that allows for this sort of manual mode. Unless there's a trick way to activate it that no one has found. Kinda odd how the lower end models have that feature but the top of the line one is missing it.

 

[AndyGT]

Exactly - and that‘s what should be feasible to realize with a software update. What about a petition?

 

[stinger1168]

I'm in. What's the point of having a manual mode if the transmission is just going to do what it wants anyway? They can still program in protections so people don't blow up their cars but the manual mode should allow the driver to have more control.

 

[Marc Collins]

I'm in. What's the point of having a manual mode if the transmission is just going to do what it wants anyway? They can still program in protections so people don't blow up their cars but the manual mode should allow the driver to have more control.

It will obey you in Sport mode, but not the others (where it reverts to D, usually prematurely). Even in Sport, it will downshift if you are coming to a stop (but so does every other one on the market).

 

[StingMe]

Do you mean a full manual mode with the automatic transmission? I know the lower end models that have a shift by cable setup have a dedicated manual mode like most other shift by cable setups (Move the shifter to the left when the car is in D), that when combined with the paddles do allow for a sort of full manual experience. It does however upshift at redline without user input, but that can be disabled if you turn off traction control I believe. Otherwise I haven't seen anything on the the higher end shift by wire setup that allows for this sort of manual mode. Unless there's a trick way to activate it that no one has found. Kinda odd how the lower end models have that feature but the top of the line one is missing it.

Exactly - and that‘s what should be feasible to realize with a software update. What about a petition?

Coming in August. They should be able to update existing Stingers, but there's no guarantees

Here is a summary (translated from Russian) - all sounds logical, good probability of accuracy.

CERAM training ground near Paris I grabbed on the Kia Stinger - with updates to be introduced in August.

1. All-wheel drive versions with a V6 engine (3.3 liters, biturbo, 370 hp) will add LSD
2. The "manual" gear selection algorithm has also been modified. Earlier, even in the sport mode, after reaching the maximum speed, the next gear was selected, now the engine will be "honestly" hanging
3. The exhaust system has been refined together with the English company Milltek - and now after 3200 rpm (when the engine is running under load) the valve opens slightly, making the exhaust "almost straight-through".

The tranny will hold gears at high revs rather than forced upshifting.

 

[Vaoh]

Coming in August. They should be able to update existing Stingers, but there's no guarantees

That's pretty nice to see, though in my opinion I'd trade the ability to hold a gear in sport mode for quicker upshifts. Downshifts are decently quick, but upshifts feel way to slow for my liking. I'm guessing they're leaning close to 800-1000ms between hitting the paddle and the transmission shifting. Maybe we can get both in one software update, but I'm not really holding my breath on getting a shift logic update for existing cars.

 

[Marc Collins]

Coming in August. They should be able to update existing Stingers, but there's no guarantees

Shift logic will be able to be altered simply with software. But mechanical LSD (I thought it already had that on top-line AWD models?) and trick exhaust are actual parts that I doubt Kia will retrofit at huge expense. If this is actually true, I will want to wait for one of these newer builds. I already have dual mode exhaust on my current car, and it is very nice. It is also activated by sport mode. And, as mentioned, I thought LSD was already there based on reviews I had read. Will have to go check...

 

[Chris]

And, as mentioned, I thought LSD (Limited Slip Differential) (Limited Slip Differential) was already there based on reviews I had read. Will have to go check

Currently the LSD can only be had in the RWD cars.

 

[AndyGT]

Probably they will add any mechanical component for the shift logic like a manual position for the stick or something. From that moment you won‘t have a chance to get the new logic for the current gen and every early adopter has bad luck. Frustrating.

 

[Marc Collins]

Probably they will add any mechanical component for the shift logic like a manual position for the stick or something. From that moment you won‘t have a chance to get the new logic for the current gen and every early adopter has bad luck. Frustrating.

Shift logic is pure software and should be rolled-out to all.

Superior differential and exhaust is where the early adopters will likely be screwed.

 

[StingMe]

Probably they will add any mechanical component for the shift logic like a manual position for the stick or something. From that moment you won‘t have a chance to get the new logic for the current gen and every early adopter has bad luck. Frustrating.

Shift logic is pure software and should be rolled-out to all.

Superior differential and exhaust is where the early adopters will likely be screwed.

There's a high probability the trans updated logic will be a free update for all Stingers - but nothing is definite until it happens. If the date holds correct, we should know by or before August.

The dual mode exhaust will probably be available as a dealer installed option.
It's not clear if it will be factory installed as well.

Electronic LSD? That is one early adopters will miss out on.
But - You're driving Stingers right now - bonus!

 

[Well Stung]

What behavior is the manual mode exhibiting that causes an issue in a situation like this? I am annoyed with it reverting back to automatic at every stop sign, even in sport mode.

It won't revert back if you use the stick to put in manual mode

 

[Marc Collins]

It won't revert back if you use the stick to put in manual mode

If you have drive-by-wire, there is no stick and no physical way to put it into manual mode. But Sport mode should combine with paddle usage to prevent it from reverting to D. It did in the car I test drove and it better in the one I am picking up soon or they can keep the car.