News: Why the stick shift's days may be numbered

[Rob]

A very interesting article in Automotive News regarding the demise of the manual transmission. So what do you prefer? Do you still prefer a manual transmission or an automatic?

Why the stick shift's days may be numbered

by Richard Truett
Engineering and Technology Reporter
Automotive News

DETROIT -- Two cars I have test driven recently finally convinced me the good old-fashioned manual transmission will soon be dead.

General Motors let auto writers test drive the 2015 Chevrolet Corvette with its new eight-speed automatic transmission. And among our rotating fleet of test cars here at work, a 2014 Jaguar F-Type has been a well-liked visitor. The F-Type also is equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission, this one made by German supplier ZF.

The Corvette’s transmission is an amazing piece of engineering. Operate the paddles on the steering wheel and the gears change at the speed of thought -- a computer monitors driver inputs 160 times a second. And shifts are nearly imperceptible. You get the driving sensation of a manual with the convenience of an automatic.

Ditto for the Jag.

I love manual transmissions. My three classic cars have them. I have converted cars from automatic to manual. But the manual’s days as a mainstream transmission are ending.

The take rate for manual transmissions across the U.S. auto industry is hovering around 5 percent, and according to consulting firm IHS Automotive, the number of nameplates offering a manual option is about 10 percent, down from 35 percent in 1980.

Full Story: http://www.autonews.com/article/2014...ay-be-numbered

 

[pure zen]

Quick Shift,,,

For the last decade, or two,,,,automatic trannys with their TCM modules have been able to shift much faster and accurately than the human brain and hand controlling the manual shift transmissions. Computer control of shift points is nearly flawless......you don't even need to use paddle shifters or auto-stick feature to shift the gears, when the computer can hit the shift point just by leaving in 'drive'...

Also, heavy clutch pedal like the Tremec manual six-speed uses, doesn't always make driving a stick enjoyable to everyone. When my left knee started to exert pain during shifts,,I knew it was time to sell my Viper SRT10... I miss the brute horsepower and torque of the Viper, but enjoy the smooth shifts and ride of the XLR. I B Happy

 

[V Happy]

Why the stick shift,s days may be numbered

For the last decade, or two,,,,automatic trannys with their TCM modules have been able to shift much faster and accurately than the human brain and hand controlling the manual shift transmissions. Computer control of shift points is nearly flawless......you don't even need to use paddle shifters or auto-stick feature to shift the gears, when the computer can hit the shift point just by leaving in 'drive'...

Also, heavy clutch pedal like the Tremec manual six-speed uses, doesn't always make driving a stick enjoyable to everyone. When my left knee started to exert pain during shifts,,I knew it was time to sell my Viper SRT10... I miss the brute horsepower and torque of the Viper, but enjoy the smooth shifts and ride of the XLR. I B Happy

My V,s manual shift option really sucks. It may be just my skills but trying to use it racing is disastorous.
V Happy