Tapshifting

Tapshifting refers to the process of changing gears in a vehicle equipped with a manual transmission that also has a feature allowing the driver to manually select gears, often called manual mode or tiptronic. This is distinct from a fully automatic transmission where the car's computer solely dictates gear changes. In tapshifting, the driver can initiate a gear change, either up or down, by operating a lever, paddles located on the steering wheel, or buttons on the gear shifter itself. The transmission then executes the requested shift, though it may override the driver's selection under certain conditions, such as if the requested gear would cause the engine to over-rev or stall. This feature is commonly found in performance-oriented vehicles and some luxury cars, offering the driver a greater sense of control over the vehicle's power delivery and acceleration. The term "tapshifting" emphasizes the light, quick action required to engage the gear change mechanism, often a simple tap of a paddle or nudge of the shifter. It provides a compromise between the engagement of a traditional manual transmission and the convenience of an automatic.