I spoke with Roy from their team over the course of a couple months, getting information and planning exactly how I wanted it. They're shifters come in a plethora of combinations between knob style, finish, size, weight, colors, stitching colors, and leather options, as well as metal trim options and colors. I had him draft up a few ideas with various engraving and lettering but ultimately decided I wanted something relatively minimal.
I chose my kit's set up after some time. Mine was simple, but did require something a bit custom as far as the order process goes. My choice was minimal, with all black smooth leather, and black stitching, to match what my current S5's seats are. I considered carbon fiber trim on the shift knob, but, ultimately went with a very black and silver (beaded aluminum) design, as it flows perfectly with Audi's interior. Part of my custom ordered was to have engraving in the top of my shift knob, but, not have it painted. I also requested that the stem of the shift level and top plate on the shift knob be finished in a beaded style as the trim ring around the shifter as well. And the other thing they matched for me, was tailoring the kit to work nicely with my JHM short throw shifter, by using less material on the shift boot so it didn't sit sloppily.
I chose for a beaded silver shifter trim ring, the GTR1 shift knob with a beaded silver stem and top plate, as well as a medium weight option with the shifter. Color-less engraving in the top plate of it (mostly so the few occasions I take it to get serviced they aren't clunking around looking for reverse). With a smooth leather finish. I also ordered a spare shift ball with no weight, as I had never experienced a weighted shifter before.
The most painstaking part of the process is the wait! They're a small shop in Europe, and, they do everything custom to order. So there is some turn over time, and the shipping time of course. All in all it probably took three weeks from my order being processed, to receiving the item. But it was well worth the wait!
The GTR1 shifter ball is smaller than the stock shifter, but comfortably so. The added weight makes shifting feel smooth, but not rubbery, nor like the shifter's weight is going somewhere without guidance. I can easily snap the shifter into any gear with a sense of urgency, but smoothly, and with a "luxurious," yet still very sporty feeling you want with your Audi. Roy tipped me off the the weight that I chose, and I'm glad I trusted his advice.
I will note there was one small problem with my order. One of my two shift knobs had a small cut in the leather. I brought this up to Roy, worrying about how such a small outfit would handle something of the sorts, but to my surprise (which should not have been at this point given all his patience and support previously) he answered within minutes, and never once put the blame on myself. He told me they would be sending me a replacement unit ASAP. When I asked if he wanted me to return the defective piece, he told me it was fine to just keep it. He apologized profusely on the matter, saying he's very sure it must have been customs or a shipping accident (the packaging of which is some of the best I've seen as well), but either way Roy stated that it was "completely unacceptable," and that he empathized with me. Truly some of the most friendly and genuine customer support I've worked with.
While it was pricey, I think it was worth every penny. It's a really unique art piece not in just that not many people even have these on their B8's it seems, but that you can completely customize it how you want. For a top notch product, with build quality higher than most OEM components. The fitment is beyond superb, and it looks absolutely stellar. Installation was a breeze, and took maybe 15 minutes at most. As of right now they are only available for manual transmissions, but, I suggested to Roy he support automatics/DSG's, to expand his market. On to some pictures. Hope someone finds this review helpful!
Preparing to install it. The was a bit easier than on a stock car, as I already removed the OEM retention piece for the shifter. (Thanks JHM!) You removing the leather portion of the factory shift boot first, then the trim ring between it and the center console.
A small look at the Sportshifters trim.
Onto the porn. (NSFW!)
I'll likely add some more photos of some different angles, but, if anyone has any questions please ask away.
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Originally Posted by Sazexa
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