[RickBullotta]

Just picked up a 2003 Coupe CC on Friday, and still getting used to its unique personality.

I've noticed that when backing up the driveway, with a slight incline, the engine seems to "chug" a bit (moreso than when easing out in 1st). I assume this is normal, but just wanted some confirmation so I can sleep better.

Overall, I am blown away with the Maser. A race car in a supermodel's skin. The V8 is, well, just plain impressive. I'm slowly learning to work with the shifting - I assume it will become something you don't have to consciously think about over time.

And the interior styling is stunning as well.

 

[Christian]

The key to shifting the car is keep your foot stready/still on the gas pedal while shifting. Do not try and accelarate while shifting.

Christian

 

[BrianS]

Congratulations. I am now 5 weeks into owning it and beginning to get the hang of it. Just play with it a while and you will start to find the best shifting times. I prefer to keep the pedal constant when shifting. I also found that I was shifting at too low an rpm and that winding it out before shifting worked better. Many others prefer to slightly lighten up on the pedal when shifting making the shift smoother, but keeping the pedal constant for me makes for a much better driving experience.

As for backing up, mine does the same on an incline. The manual talks about the "parking gear". Downshift in 1st and the indicator blinks supposedly making it easier to park. I don't really see a difference. I do not have this maneuver down yet, the car chugs and bucks when trying to reverse on an incline. So I don't think that there is anything wrong with your car, but maybe someone could shed some light on making this maneuver a little smoother.

 

[Anthony]

When I went to pick up my car from the dealership for the 6000 miles services, I saw a Ferrari Enzo's CC being replaced. When I ask the servise adviser about it. he said the owner of the Ferrari fried the transmission because he was backing up on an incline and that I should never do it.

 

[barbuckle]

There is also a pull-down for reverse gear which helps when reversing up a slope. It is also better to give it plenty of revs - but of course this is rarely safe when parking!!

The problem is that the cc only drops the clutch in when a certain rpm rate is achieved (2000rpm for first gear I think, not sure about reverse).
Up until then it "feathers" the clutch - hence the erratic progress!
The pull-down in first/reverse makes the cc drop the clutch sooner.

Simple fact is the cc box is not designed for parking maneouvres.

Also always leave it in first when parking on a slope (reverse and second do not stop the car rolling!)

 

[marcw]

I always keep one foot on the brake while parking. The computer controlled clutch is very cool but no where near as delicate as a true manual.

I kinda like the lurchiness when cruising around slowly. Unfortunately, my wife always insists on bring a paper cup of tea with her so I'm a little more careful with her in the car. (Probably a subconscious move on her part...)

Marc

 

[Dr. Larry Kauffman]

Get rid of the wife Marc!