A U T O M A T I C ?

[m12_nathan]

An M5 is not an automatic, it is an automated manual (SMG = sequential manual gearbox), it has a clutch, not a torque converter.

[V8HSV]

Still an auto though, if you took your driving test in one you would only be able to dive auto cars.

Got 2 smarts with 6-speed sequential box with the s/w from Merc C class & fly-by-wire throttle, you use the gas pedal as the clutch, best results obtained in auto mode but I drive it manually all the time by nudging the stick

[LuS1fer]

V8HSV said:

Ok then, what about additional power losses compared to manual, increased brake pad & disc wear, increased fuel consumption then. Speed of shift is not what I personally concerned with, engine braking and selected the gear when you want it is.

Easily remedied by quickshift kits which take all the slop and slip out of the auto. It's simplicity itself to replace discs and pads next to having to replace the clutch, throwout bearing etc etc. Swings and roundabouts.

I still don't understand why changing down an auto without a clutch is any differnet to changing down a manual with. It still produces the same engine braking.

Lest people think I'm over-defensive, I'd rather a manual any day of the week but there are areas in which the auto is better or as good.

>> Edited by LuS1fer on Friday 15th April 18:42

[V8HSV]

Can't really argue with a very good post like that but my last words (hopefully) are that being a control freak and that I just love to thrash a manual sometimes, it's not exactly a light experience, talk about slow changing, lack of confidence to go from 6th to 5th at three figures and not really one of the most user friendly boxes I have ever used, it's out of date but it does the job in a very rugged sort of way that adds to the charm of the HSV, the way things are evolving we wont be inputting much skill at all into driving cars of the future, not that manual changing is necessarily a skill, it’s just the way I prefer to drive a powerful car.

[tiler]

Dame right capsy
Now where can we get more power from. I dont want a bm or a merc. I want to change gear me self and go just as fast or not faster. And still ave money for fuel.

[EH*ROB]

[quote]
I'd rather a manual any day of the week but there are areas in which the auto is better or as good.
[/quote]

Totally agree mate,
I'd pick the Manual first time, but there is nothing wrong with a good V8 auto.

Rob.