SPORTSHIFT is the brand created in 1995 by the Prodrive company for a mechanism for manual shifting by means of a gear shifter or paddle shifters has been entered. From 2001 the system was used in Subaru automatic transmissions and from 2006 it was fitted to some Aston Martin models with an automatic manual transmission.
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How SPORTSHIFT works
The SPORTSHIFT system is characterized by this that there is no mechanical connection between the shift lever or shift paddles and the transmission. Instead, electrical signals are used. As soon as the driver operates the shift lever or paddle shifter, the corresponding information goes to the transmission control unit, which sends the appropriate command to the actuators that engage the desired gear.
The SPORTSHIFT function improves the vehicle's dynamic performance and is useful when driving downhill or uphill, or when starting off on slippery surfaces. In addition, the presence of paddle shifters makes it easier to shift gears without being distracted from the road, which is especially important for sports cars.
Popular gearboxes with the SPORTSHIFT function
| Index | Manufacturer | Number of gears | Gear type | Max. Torque, Nm | Max. Displacement, l | Year of manufacture | Car models equipped with this type of gearbox |
| 4EAT | Jatco | 4 | Automatic with torque converter | 300 | 3,3 | 1988 | Subaru Impreza; Subaru Legacy; Subaru SVX; Subaru Forester; Subaru Outback |
| 5EAT | Jatco | 5 | Automatic with torque converter | 350 | 3.6 | 2004 | Subaru Tribeca; Subaru Legacy; Subaru Exiga; Subaru Outback |
On Aston Martin models, the automatic 6 and 7-speed manual transmissions manufactured by Graziano are equipped with the SPORTSHIFT system. These were used in particular for the V8 Vantage, the V8 Vantage S and some other models.
Frequent defects in transmissions with the SPORTSHIFT function
| Defects | Transmission |
| Over time, the seal of the transmission pump leaks. | 4ЕАТ |
| The solenoid valves fail. | 4ЕАТ; 5EAT |
| The clutch drum and the gearbox bearings break. | 4ЕАТ |
| The ducts of the valve housing are clogged . | 4ЕАТ; 5EAT |
| The speed sensor fails prematurely. | 5EAT |