What is MC shift mode for ?
- Thread starter Mavster
- Start date
midlifecrisis
Member
- Messages
- 16,233
McShift is just a brand name from McDonald's makes you drive like a clown ...
Seriously, it's better software for faster gearshifts.
Seriously, it's better software for faster gearshifts.
Sam McGoo
Member
- Messages
- 1,773
So yours is an MC-Shift car with the 1 and R buttons as gear selection?
If so,
- Turn ignition on
- wait for all the dash lights to go out (Airbag light stops flashing)
- Start car.
- Press Auto button (to go in manual mode)
- Press Sport button
- Enjoy. (And don't drive it in any other mode)
- When gearbox is up to temperature 'MC-Shift' lights up on the dash. At that point you need to be over 5500rpm and more than 80% Throttle - Only then will you experience the awesomeness of the MC-Shift
midlifecrisis
Member
- Messages
- 16,233
So what does the MC Auto Shift do?So yours is an MC-Shift car with the 1 and R buttons as gear selection?
If so,
- Turn ignition on
- wait for all the dash lights to go out (Airbag light stops flashing)
- Start car.
- Press Auto button (to go in manual mode)
- Press Sport button
- Enjoy. (And don't drive it in any other mode)
- When gearbox is up to temperature 'MC-Shift' lights up on the dash. At that point you need to be over 5500rpm and more than 80% Throttle - Only then will you experience the awesomeness of the MC-Shift
CatmanV2
Member
- Messages
- 48,796
midlifecrisis
Member
- Messages
- 16,233
Thought so, ta!
Sam McGoo
Member
- Messages
- 1,773
From the Brochure :
THE EVOLUTION of TRANSMISSION
The new-concept transmission is fitted with auto-adaptive software which means that gearchanging automatically adapts
to driving styles and road conditions. There are 4 different operating modes.
Auto Normal Mode. When driving normally, with steady acceleration, gearchanging occurs at relatively low revs to
achieve the most comfortable ride possible. When the driving style in Auto Normal mode is more sporty, the gear shifts
automatically take place at higher engine speeds, to enhance performance.
Auto Sport Mode. Selected via the SPORT button, this is intended for those who prefer a sporty driving style.
Gearchanging takes place at very high engine speeds and, thanks to a “fuel control” engine strategy specially developed for
the Maserati GranTurismo, the changes are 40% faster than in Normal Mode. Automatic downshifts are tuned to change to
a lower gear when lifting off as a bend approaches; this maximises control through the bend and provides extra speed on the
exit. This is the mode in which to appreciate fully the exhilarating way the GranTurismo copes with a series of fast corners.
Pressing the SPORT button also activates:
• The stability control system (MSP)
• The stiffening of the electronically controlled Skyhook* suspension
• The valves in the exhaust system open at engine speeds of over 3000 rpm (GranTurismo S Automatic)
New MC Auto Shift. The optional MC Auto Shift on the GranTurismo S Automatic includes a super-reactive mode that
has been developed directly from the Quattroporte Sport GT S. This feature includes a wide range of functions that enhance
the enjoyment of the GranTurismo S Automatic in Sport Mode. The MC Auto Shift option also adds oval exhaust tailpipes
for a sportier look and a louder sound:
• The Launch control: the MC Auto Shift contains a launch-control mode. The gearshift technology enables sporty driving.
• The Gear keeper: the MC Auto Shift gives the driver even greater engagement by holding gears in the Manual-Sport
mode, even when the engine reaches its rev limiter.
• The RPM indicator: it indicates the ideal gear-shift timing. In Auto-Sport mode, the gear-change software activates the
function MC Start Strategy.
• The Down-shift double declutch: this, together with other dynamic features of the GranTurismo S Automatic, make it a
rewarding experience for enthusiast drivers.
• Exhaust sound: the oval shape of the exhaust tailpipes and the by-pass valves provide an even richer sound.
Sam McGoo
Member
- Messages
- 1,773
I'm not really sure where the 'lift off' thing has come from. Probably from the older CC versions of the box and on other marques?
It really annoys me when you see someone on youtube reviewing/driving an MC-shift or Strad and talk about lifting off, even when they're in Sport/Race and giving it the beans!
The owners handbook actually says not to lift off during gear changes!
However, the MC-Shift box, is a bit **** in auto. Hence, I only use sport manual. Your clutch will last longer too.
Sam McGoo
Member
- Messages
- 1,773
Does yours have buttons or a gear lever?
The excerpt above was for an AUTO Car, not an MC-shift.
Below is the MC-Shift
THE SEQUENTIAL ROBOTIC GEARBOX
To make full use of all the power of the new Maserati 4.7 litre V8 and ensure the car meets all the driver’s expectations, the Maserati GranTurismo S is equipped with a 6-speed sequential robotic
gearbox with twin dry-plate clutch.
This racing-derived solution, suited to higher performance cars, provides easier access to the full rev range, delivers a more immediate gearbox response and compliments the vehicle dynamics.
There are two operating modes: manual and automatic.
Manual mode guarantees a thrilling driving experience; gearshifts occur at the driver’s request using racing-style paddles integral with the steering column.
In automatic mode, the system optimises the gear changes subject to the driving environment.
There are six gearbox control modes:
Manual Normal
The driver chooses the gear he wants to use. For unrestricted driving pleasure, the system does not shift up even at the rev limiter, while the ECU ensures that the gear requested is appropriate to
the current rpm.
Manual Sport
In this mode, activated by pressing the “Sport” button in manual mode, the gearbox control system reduces the time taken to shift between ratios. At the same time, the pneumatic valves in the
exhaust system open to build up more back-pressure, allowing the engine revs to rise faster and reach the maximum power, as well as amplifying the V8’s potent roar.
Manual Sport with MC-Shift function
The MC-Shift function is the most important new feature provided by the Maserati GranTurismo S’s sequential robotic gearbox: this is a new control software that reduces shift times to as little as
100 milliseconds.
In conventional electro-actuated systems the three shift phases (cut in torque/clutch opening, gear disengagement/change/engagement, clutch closing/reapplication of torque) are carried out sequentially.
On the Maserati GranTurismo S the shift phases are partially overlapped: gear disengagement takes place before the clutch is fully open and clutch closing takes place before the gear is fully engaged;
this means that the shift time, interpreted and calculated as the break in acceleration, drops to 100 ms, whilst the single gear engagement phase reduces to 40 ms.
In this mode, driving becomes a fully-involved experience: with the super-swift fast gear changes and the deep growl of the Mas erati V8, providing a pure adrenalin ride.
Auto Normal
When the car is driven in “everyday” style, with only gentle lateral and longitudinal acceleration, the shifting mode is tailored to maximum comfort. When the driving style becomes sportier in
Auto Normal mode, gear shifts automatically take place at higher rpm to guarantee that the maximum torque is always delivered.
Auto Sport
The gearbox control system still controls gear shifts automatically, but with faster changes.
Compared to Auto Normal mode, gear shifts take place at higher rpm, while the double declutch effect at downward shifts is more accentuated.
As in Manual mode, pressing the “Sport” key opens the pneumatic valves in the exhaust, allowing the engine to reach peak performance and deepening its roar.
Auto ICE
Selected via the ICE key, this driving mode has been developed for conditions where grip is poor. Activation of the Auto ICE mode reduces the maximum torque at the wheel, prevents starts in
first gear, and only allows gear changes up to a maximum of 3.000 rpm. The mode provides maximum ease of handling even in the most slippery conditions.
On an MC-Shift - In the centre of the dash, one of the options is to show the gear change indicator.
Seriously, don't be scared. Assuming you have good tyres, and it's dry, the straight line traction is very good! Find a nice straight road, Sport, Manual, Make sure the MC-Shift light is on. Get it rolling in 2nd at 2000rpm and floor it! Change up at around 7000rpm into 3rd and so on.
You will be addicted!
Last edited:
CatmanV2
Member
- Messages
- 48,796
I only drove a CC in Auto once. For about 30 seconds. You don't need to lift in manual (in fact the recommendation, at least for the 4200 was do not lift, otherwise the ECU's get confuddled)
C
Sam McGoo
Member
- Messages
- 1,773
I do know what you mean. If just cruising, then a slight lift or 'part throttle' change can seem smoother.
It just takes a while to get used to the box, but once you do it's just so rewarding! God I love it. Gives the car so much character.
And yes, the magic numbers make a difference.
I love the fact that even in the manual, Maserati are telling us that to have the full experience, you have to have your foot on the floor and rev the tits out of it!
Tallman
Member
- Messages
- 1,834
Ah, so the QPV Sport GTS experience is also available on some GranTurismo’s - re lifting, I sometimes do that in town on slight declines to shift gears up in auto mode. If you don’t it keeps gear and you end up with unwanted higher revs. Just a slight lift is required.
Sam McGoo
Member
- Messages
- 1,773
Not a GT, but have a look here.