RE: Frankfurt: Mercedes SLS Roadster
Discussion
JohnG1 said:
Engine is lovely.
But if it's the same gearbox as you get in an SL63 AMG then it's poor...
It's not the same gearbox. The SL63 uses AMG's wet clutch speedshift transmission which is still an auto whereas the SLS uses a proper dual clutch transmission. Strange though that most of the press hacks have said the speedshift auto is actually superior...But if it's the same gearbox as you get in an SL63 AMG then it's poor...
kambites said:
What is "still an auto" meant to mean? The SL's gearbox is no more or less automatic than the SLS, as far as I can see. Both are capable of fully automatic or manually triggered automated operation. Neither has a torque converter, if that's what you mean.
The box in the SL63 AMG I had last week was most certainly NOT capable of manually triggered automated operation. You could ask and then after a wait it would slot the cogs into place. But very very poor. Compared to the pdk box in a 911 it's like comparing a stealth bomber and the Wright brothers....JohnG1 said:
The box in the SL63 AMG I had last week was most certainly NOT capable of manually triggered automated operation. You could ask and then after a wait it would slot the cogs into place. But very very poor. Compared to the pdk box in a 911 it's like comparing a stealth bomber and the Wright brothers....
I said it was a clutched automatic gearbox as is the SLS and indeed the PDK. I didn't say it was good.I must admit that these gearboxes all feel rubbish to me, but that's just because I don't like them. Even if I'd driven the SL or SLS (which I haven't), me commenting on its quality would be a bit like asking the average American to comment on the shift action of a manual box.
Edited by kambites on Thursday 15th September 18:10
kambites said:
A bit like asking the average American to comment on the shift action of a manual box.
I agree generally, however - the US market managed to get itself a manual E60 M5 due to demand, Europe didn't...It was critically panned by the Euro press that got to drive it though. I take the point that's not the "average" American.
You're unlikely to find a manual in any high torque car these days. Those which do have a manual box are almost universally criticised for having a heavy clutch and/or a clunky gearchange.
Auto box of any kind allows cunning "torque management" by the computer during gearshifts. In basic terms, this stops the engine ripping the clutch/transmission to pieces. Something which a human operator in a manual car finds remarkably easy to achieve!
Auto box of any kind allows cunning "torque management" by the computer during gearshifts. In basic terms, this stops the engine ripping the clutch/transmission to pieces. Something which a human operator in a manual car finds remarkably easy to achieve!
Ozzie Osmond said:
You're unlikely to find a manual in any high torque car these days. Those which do have a manual box are almost universally criticised for having a heavy clutch and/or a clunky gearchange.
Auto box of any kind allows cunning "torque management" by the computer during gearshifts. In basic terms, this stops the engine ripping the clutch/transmission to pieces. Something which a human operator in a manual car finds remarkably easy to achieve!
Sad but true. But for pretty much everyone the pdk style box will give better performance than a manual.Auto box of any kind allows cunning "torque management" by the computer during gearshifts. In basic terms, this stops the engine ripping the clutch/transmission to pieces. Something which a human operator in a manual car finds remarkably easy to achieve!
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