Has anyone out there purchased a 2015/2016 automatic transmission car and taken it out on a road course? I'm starting to have issue with arthritis in my left foot and if it gets any worse or always bothers after a weekend of driving on a road course I'm considering trading in my 2014 GT Track Pack for a 2016 GT auto and hoping I'll still be able to do well on a road course with the paddle shifters. I will have to add a lot of other upgrades to make myself a "performance pack" for the auto. I really wish they would just offer that. Here's the upgrades I'd be looking at (some I'd probably do on a manual car as well).

Order with 3.55's and maybe Recaro seats
Brake Upgrade
Strut tower brace
Springs, sway bar and maybe a few other suspension upgrades (probably do this on a manual anyway)
K-brace
Maybe try to add the extra guages
and of course better wheels and tires. Right now I run Contiental racing slicks anyway.

Any other suggestions?

 

I can't offer any first hand experiences here but I'd have to imagine that a transmission cooler should be added to the list...and a deeper transmission pan (if available) would also be a huge help when flogging a slush pump around a road course.

That said, I have no doubt you'll have a blast either way. It would be interesting to hear how your laps stack up between the '14 stick and the S550 with an auto.

 

No clue on the auto, but here is what I would do:
1) Stainless lines and racing fluid flush (like RBF 600)
2) Proper race pads
3) DEFINITELY Recaros. Worth their weight in gold at the track. And still very comfy for DD
4) Oil cooler

 

I wonder if you can rent a gt auto for a week or so?

 

You can, at certain Hertz. Or if there's some kind of "super car experience" in your area. Hertz would be much cheaper though. And yeah, you're not supposed to take the car off road...

 

I ordered/purchased my 2015 Race Red Auto (3.55 gears) with the 20" wheel/tire package and then added a Ford Racing strut tower brace and F/R Steeda 3-way adjustable swaybars, along with Ford Racing catback Touring exhaust. I've autocrossed once. Use the Sport+ driving mode, and the paddle shifters if needed, and it went like stink! I drove standards in my youth (I am 72 now) and after a three-hour traffic jam in Dallas, while on my way to the 2012 Grand National show in Mustang, OK...I am SO glad I chose the A6.