Autoblog

Jaguar to bring back manual transmissions starting with F-Type

Jeffrey N. Ross — Fri, 09 Nov 2012 09:33:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Jaguar

We already know that the 2013 Jaguar F-Type will be ditching the rotary shifter used in current Jaguar models, but Autocar is reporting that the F-Type will also be setting another trend in the British automaker's lineup by introducing a new manual transmission. In addition to the F-Type, this gearbox could also make its way into the XF.

Autocar spoke with Adrian Hallmark, Jaguar global brand director, who stated that a true sports car needs a manual gearbox, and it sounds like a three-pedal transmission with "a minimum of six speeds" will make it into the Jaguar lineup soon.

"Sports cars need a manual transmission for sports credibility," Hallmark said.

The report does suggest that a it will be at least a year before the F-Type debuts with a manual, but it will be the first car since the X-Type sedan to offer more than just an automatic transmission. On the automatic front, Hallmark said that future Jaguar and Land Rover models will use the latest nine-speed automatic ZF transmission.

Jaguar to bring back manual transmissions starting with F-Type originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Nov 2012 09:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Kia to offer limited edition 2013 Rio 5-Door SX with manual gearbox

George Kennedy — Tue, 11 Sep 2012 10:59:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Hatchback, Kia

Up until now, if you wanted the top-of-the-line version of the Kia Rio 5-Door, you could only get it with the six-speed automatic transmission. But now, Kia has now announced a limited run of six-speed manual-equipped hatchbacks.

That means that Rio 5-Door buyers no longer have to decide between a row-your-own gearbox and features like the UVO infotainment system, backup camera and Bluetooth hands-free calling. You can have all these features, plus the manual gearbox for an MSRP of $17,900.

According to Kia, the combination of range-topping trim and manual transmission provides a "more engaging drive experience without sacrificing the comfort and convenience offered by the subcompact model's highest trim level."

The idea for the Rio SX M/T (manual transmission) was apparently inspired by Kia's B-Spec race car, which has been competing in the Grand-Am race series. Only 500 examples of the SX M/T will be sold for the 2013 model year.

Continue reading Kia to offer limited edition 2013 Rio 5-Door SX with manual gearbox

Kia to offer limited edition 2013 Rio 5-Door SX with manual gearbox originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Sep 2012 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

BMW bringing M3 'concept' to Geneva

Jeff Sabatini — Fri, 10 Aug 2012 14:14:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Sedan, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, BMW, Luxury

Six months, 26 days. That's the countdown until we get our first live, in-person look at the next iteration of the BMW M3, according to AutoWeek.

The F80 M3 will be appear on the BMW stand at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show in "lightly veiled concept" form, according to the report, with the production car bowing at the Frankfurt show next fall. The performance sedan won't go on sale until the end of 2013 here in the U.S., with coupe and convertible versions and one of BMW's odd Gran Coupe models following in later years.

AutoWeek says the M3 will be a mix of steel with some aluminum body panels, powered by a turbocharged inline-six making about 450 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque. Although rumors of a 3.3-liter V6 based on BMW's larger V8 engine persist, the more shocking speculation involves the gearbox, which is said to be a dual-clutch with seven speeds. That's right, no manual transmission will be offered, according to the report.

Of course, BMW has attempted to make that move before with the M5. Fortunately, enough complaints from American customers caused the company to change its mind. So, car guy purists, start your grousing now, as the clock is already ticking.

BMW bringing M3 'concept' to Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Aug 2012 14:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Carjacker who can't drive stick gets ride from victim

Chris Tutor — Wed, 27 Jun 2012 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Government/Legal, Safety

Note to budding carjackers: Learn to drive a stick shift before heading out to boost a car.

Note to potential carjacking victims: If the thief can't drive a stick, run away and call the cops.

Unfortunately our advice is a little too late for a couple of guys in St. Louis. According to the Associated Press, on Sunday, a motorist was approached in his vehicle by an armed man, who ordered him to move to the passenger seat and demanded his money. The victim handed over $24, at which point the would-be carjacker tried to drive off in the car. Unfortunately for the miscreant (who is obviously not an Autoblog reader), he was totally stymied by the manual transmission.

Either not wanting to get shot or in an effort to save his clutch, the victim reportedly offered to drive the bad guy to his destination. It was either a genius move or there's more to the story than we know.

Either way, when the robber exited the car, he was at least polite enough to thank the guy for a ride. Who says you can't point guns at folks, take their money and still be nice?

Carjacker who can't drive stick gets ride from victim originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Jun 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Next BMW M5 to drop manual transmission option

Chris Shunk — Thu, 21 Jun 2012 13:58:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, BMW, Luxury

There is something very right about a rear-wheel-drive sports sedan with over 500 horsepower and a manual transmission, and yet few vehicles check those boxes quite like the BMW M5. Unfortunately, most M5 buyers prefer to leave their left foot out of the gear-shifting equation, which is leading BMW to lose the manual tranny option altogether in favor of a dual-clutch-only approach.

Inside Line reports that the next M5, and the M6 for that matter, will not feature a manual transmission option. BMW M-brand Engineering chief Albert Biermann reportedly told IL that manual-equipped M5 models are topping out at 15 percent of total sales, making the MT a money-loser for the brand. Biermann claims that the volume of manual transmission buyers makes it all but impossible to make another three-pedal M5, adding "nobody wants it in Europe or anywhere else, so this will be the last time we do it."

This is most definitely not good news for stick shift-loving enthusiasts, but at the same time we can hardly argue against Biermann's point. There's no sense in offering a no-charge manual option if the vast majority of buyers don't want it. Fortunately, the M3 doesn't suffer from the same problem, so the M5's baby brother will continue to offer a row-your-own option.

Next BMW M5 to drop manual transmission option originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Jun 2012 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Patent application shows BMW working on seven-speed manual

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 06 Jun 2012 19:29:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, BMW

BMW has invited itself to a party that Porsche started. Someone ~~trolling~~ trawling through patent filings found drawings submitted by BMW for two slightly different takes on a seven-speed manual transmission. The first take is a more conventional setup that provides an honest clutch pedal. The second variant uses a shift-by-wire system to swap gears through an electromechanical actuator. To prevent drivers from accidentally engaging an engine-damaging gear in such a closely spaced pattern, both rely on an electromagnetic fluid inside a shifting module that can change viscosity to prevent the 'lever' from making a shift.

According to the filing, the system can work with up to eight(!) gears. It isn't clear if, even in the system with the clutch, the gear lever is actually attached to any of those gears.

What's also notable about the drawings is the shift pattern. Porsche's seven-speed shift pattern in the 991-series 911 places reverse and the odd gears above, the even gears below. But the BMW pattern in the drawing places reverse and seventh gear in opposing positions at the ends of the axis that is normally, entirely, neutral. Also, the shift pattern is drawn on what looks more like an iDrive-shaped stick, not the usual BMW manual transmission knob, nor the stubby dual-clutch stick as found in the BMW M6 whose reverse gear is still located above neutral.

Who knows if or when we'll ever see it, but it's encouraging just to know that advanced, row-your-own transmissions are still on drawing boards somewhere.

Patent application shows BMW working on seven-speed manual originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Jun 2012 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Salon columnist asks, "Is it ethical to drive stick?" [w/poll]

Jeff Sabatini — Tue, 15 May 2012 19:30:00 EST

Filed under: Etc.

Just don't answer. The question is neither relevant, nor is it even the crux of the column. Get past the clicky smelling headline, and what you have here is a combination of two news stories, one new and one old, both of which you've likely already come across.

We're going to play nice here and not knock over Salon columnist David Sirota's house of cards, because this is a good read and he's a talented writer - even if, off the top of our heads, we can name several popular vehicles that offer a fuel economy benefit to those willing to row their own, from the Volkswagen Jetta to the Chevrolet Sonic to the BMW 3 Series. But the guy does have a point that's probably of great benefit to many Salon readers: If a smug sense of superiority is what you're after, opting for a manual transmission is no longer a sure bet. (Locally sourced organic produce and craft beer, for the win!)

In the end, Sirota is smart enough to come to two conclusions that most of us would agree to. The first being that driving a manual is fun, and the second, that it's hard to text while steering, operating all three pedals, and working that stick.

On second thought, maybe you should answer with a simple 'yes' or 'no'. See below for our completely unscientific poll.

View Poll

Salon columnist asks, "Is it ethical to drive stick?" [w/poll] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 May 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

2013 Hyundai Sonata gets $1,100 price increase, drops manual option

Zach Bowman — Wed, 09 May 2012 13:01:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Hyundai

Bid farewell to the Hyundai Sonata equipped with a manual transmission. The Korean manufacturer has discontinued the third-pedal in its midsize sedan for 2013, though buyers can look forward to more standard equipment on next year's model. With such a small take rate, Hyundai saw no reason to continue offering the six-speed manual in the base GLS model. That means the six-speed automatic transmission is now standard across the line, though the four-door will see an uptick in price as a result. The 2013 Sonata now starts at $21,670, including a $775 destination fee.

Consumers can expect to find the same direct-injection 2.4-liter four-cylinder under the hood as well as an optional turbocharged direct-injection 2.0-liter four. Heated seats are now standard in every trim with the exception of the entry GLS model. The Limited trim bows at $26,620 with the 2.4-liter, which marks a $600 price drop compared to 2012. The impressive, standard panoramic sunroof is now optional, however. If you want the extra glass, you'll now have to step up to a $2,900 Limited Premium Package. Scroll down for the full press blast.

Continue reading 2013 Hyundai Sonata gets $1,100 price increase, drops manual option

2013 Hyundai Sonata gets $1,100 price increase, drops manual option originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 May 2012 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Car buyers falling back in love with manual transmissions

Jeff Sabatini — Tue, 01 May 2012 13:01:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Technology, Ford

From the headlines-we-never-expected-to-see file: "Stick shifts popular again..." Yes, we thought manual transmissions were on their deathbed, what with every carmaker bemoaning low take rates and reports that Volkswagen has decided to do away with them in both its Audi R8 sports car and throughout the range of Lamborghini models. But lo and behold, it seems that manuals accounted for 6.5 percent of new vehicle sales during the first quarter this year, the highest take rate since 2006, according to Edmunds.com numbers cited by USA Today.

This surge in popularity comes despite a 10-percent drop in the percentage of new models offering stick shifts in the past five years, according to the report. The change in consumer behavior has surprised some automakers, including Ford, who told the newspaper that demand for a manual in the Focus is nearly 10 percent, more than double the automaker's original forecast.

Of course before we get too excited - or give credit to the Car and Driver "Save the Manuals" campaign - let's keep in mind that a decade ago, when we first started to hear the groundswell against the manual from automakers, the take rate for manuals was still running above 8 percent. And we're still faced with an inevitable demographic shift as Millennials, born after automatic transmissions became dominant, grow up. The best we can hope for is to teach those willing to learn and hope to keep the manual tranny around as long as possible.

Car buyers falling back in love with manual transmissions originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 May 2012 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

2013 BMW M5 to get six-speed manual as no-cost option

Steven J. Ewing — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 10:15:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Performance, BMW, Luxury

Rest easy, die-hard enthusiasts. BMW has officially confirmed that the 2013 M5 sedan will be offered with a do-it-yourself six-speed manual transmission here in the United States. When the car arrives Stateside this summer, it will come standard with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission or a row-your-own gearbox as a no-cost option. BMW even goes so far to state that while the manual transmission has one less gear than the DCT, its "ratios have been optimized for acceleration, flexibility and fuel economy." Sounds good to us.

Continue reading 2013 BMW M5 to get six-speed manual as no-cost option

2013 BMW M5 to get six-speed manual as no-cost option originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Jan 2012 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

2014 Audi R8 to do away with manual gearbox

Noah Joseph — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 08:59:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Technology, Audi

Perception versus reality. It's the schism that defines so many struggles in life - sports cars among them. While we know beyond the shadow of a doubt that the latest automated dual-clutch transmissions can shift faster and smoother than any human possibly could, purists still want that manually operated clutch pedal and a proper stick to row through the gears. Sure, many will tell you, though the robotic transmission might do a better job of it, they (and by they, we include many of us here at Autoblog among them) still take pleasure in doing it the old-fashion way.

Those purists are finding themselves increasingly disappointed by many automakers who are fazing out the old three-pedal setups. And the latest performance icon to join those ranks could very well be the next-generation Audi R8, if the latest reports are to be believed. Although the current R8 is encumbered by a lackluster automatic transmission option, later in 2012 Audi is expected to offer a seven-speed DSG that will, according to the ruminations, be the only gearbox offered once its complete replacement rolls along in 2014.

The manual won't be the only element missing from the next-gen R8, though. Britain's Car magazine also claims it on good authority that the iconic side-blade that distinguishes the current R8 will be gone from the next model, and while a V10 may be offered at the beginning, it may be fazed out for a turbo eight with more power. Here's to progress, then, and enjoying working that clutch pedal in the meantime.

2014 Audi R8 to do away with manual gearbox originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Dec 2011 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Audi discontinues manual gearbox for S4 and S5 in Europe, U.S. models safe

Zach Bowman — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 09:28:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, Performance, Europe, Audi, Luxury

Here's a bit of curiosity. GT Spirit is reporting that Audi has pulled the manual gearbox option for both the S4 and the S5 in Europe. The news comes courtesy of Fourtitude, who spoke with Barry Hoch, the product planning manager for Audi of America. Hoch said that while the sportier Audi models will lose their third pedal in the EU, American buyers will still be able to row their own gears.

Why would Audi abandon the manual transmission? The company's DSG gearbox offers plenty quick shifts with improved fuel economy, constant application of power and a hefty convenience factor, but Europeans have traditionally been more excited about swapping their own gears than their American counterparts.

Of course, if true, this begs the question about the longevity of manual gearboxes on Audi models in the States. While it looks as if they'll hang around on the S4 and S5 for a time longer, we have to imagine that it won't be long before the automaker thins the option sheet for its American wares, as well.

Audi discontinues manual gearbox for S4 and S5 in Europe, U.S. models safe originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Nov 2011 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Mini offering $500 discount on manual transmission models

Steven J. Ewing — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 13:59:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Hatchback, Mini

Driving a manual transmission is a dying art these days. More and more automakers are moving to faster-shifting dual-clutch transmissions for performance cars, and the high-volume best-sellers only offer stick-shifts on the very base models (if at all). Of course there's Porsche, an automaker that is currently putting the finishing touches on its seven-speed manual transmission. But that's Porsche.

Mini is doing its part to promote the manual transmission by offering a $500 discount on certain stick-shift-equipped cars through the end of August. This offer applies to the stock Cooper, as well as the Clubman and Convertible (sorry, Countryman). It's a pretty sweet offer, and when you consider that manual-equipped Minis already get better fuel economy and carry lower price points than their autobox kin, this purchase decision should be an absolute no-brainer for anyone who gives a flip about driving pleasure.

Head over to Mini's website for the full details about this promotion. Thinking of buying a new Mini? Use this opportunity to spread the joy of the manual transmission before this essential piece of driver involvement goes extinct.

Mini offering $500 discount on manual transmission models originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Aug 2011 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Lamborghini ditching manual transmissions

Jeff Glucker — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 10:31:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Lamborghini

Lamborghini is apparently chomping at the bit to say arrivederci to the manual transmission. Motor Trend had a chance to speak with Maurizio Reggiani, Lamborghini's R&D director, and it appears that a manual gearbox doesn't fit into the automaker's plans for the future. The immediate future.

Per Reggiani, only one to two percent of the vehicles produced at the Sant'Agata factory come equipped with a row-your-own setup - a shockingly low percentage. Lamborghini's customers want fast cars, and the best way to ensure it delivers is by removing the human element from the gearchange equation.

A Gallardo replacement is expected next year, and Reggiani tells Motor Trend that it will be available only with an automated gearbox of some sort (the new Aventador makes use of an automated single-clutch seven-speed unit).

Has the manual transmission run its course, or is there still life left for those who hunt for the perfect heel-toe downshift? If the rumormill is correct, Porsche seems to think there is, but other automakers have been mum on development plans for three-pedal setups. What do you think? Mull it over and then sound off in Comments.

Lamborghini ditching manual transmissions originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Jul 2011 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Porsche to nix manual option for next-gen Panamera? [w/poll]

Noah Joseph — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 10:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Porsche, Luxury

2010 Porsche Panamera 4S - Click above for high-res image gallery

Porsche offers no lack of choices for the purist, but the Panamera isn't one of 'em. Despite being ridiculously capable, the company's four-door coupe is more for spirited cruising than track attack. Little wonder, then, that Porsche is reportedly likely to abandon the availability of a manual transmission on the next-generation Panamera.

The decision reportedly comes, naturally enough, from lack of demand for three pedals on the current sedan. Which makes enough sense, we suppose - while we'd take a GT3, for example, with a clutch pedal, when it comes to the Panamera, we can see most customers preferring to let the robot do the work.

The report comes from the German correspondent at Car and Driver, who just a couple of weeks ago brought better news for the enthusiast side of Stuttgart's fan base: namely, that the next-gen 911 will offer a seven-speed manual. That in addition to the seven-cog, dual-clutch PDK that will apparently be the sole choice on the next Panamera.

In other news, C/D also suggests that the next Panamera will receive electric power steering, an energy-saving technology whose main drawback has been that such systems are tough to tune while preserving steering feel, an essential Porsche ingredient.

So, assuming word of no manual Panamera is true, has Porsche made the right decision? Cast your vote in the poll below.

View Poll

Porsche to nix manual option for next-gen Panamera? [w/poll] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Jun 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Rumormill: 2012 BMW M5 to get manual tranny in U.S.

Aaron Richardson — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Europe, BMW, Rumormill, Luxury

2012 BMW M5 spy shots - Click above for high-res image gallery

Contradictory to earlier rumblings, the upcoming F10 BMW M5 will reportedly be available with the option of a traditional manual transmission here in the United States. As with the E60 M5, we'd expect the stick-shift-equipped F10 to be slower than its automated sister, but we doubt it will amount to anything noticeable. Buyers will still be able to opt for the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission here in the States, if they so desire.

There's one option, however, that BMW won't be offering in our market. In Germany, buyers can opt to have the car's top speed raised to 189 miles per hour, provided they agree to enter an M5-specific driver training program. This will likely be a costly option - in addition to the price of the training program, buyers will have to shell out for upgraded engine management software, as well as a set of ZR-rated tires.

Gallery: 2012 BMW M5 Spy Shots

[Source: BMWBlog | Images: CarPix]

Rumormill: 2012 BMW M5 to get manual tranny in U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Mar 2011 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Report: First batch of U.S.-bound Fiat 500s coming with manuals

Jeff Glucker — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 13:32:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Hatchback, Chrysler, Fiat

2011 Fiat 500 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Fiat dealerships are just about ready to swap your money for the keys to a brand-new 500. If you are planning on being one of the first to park one in your driveway, we hope that you know how to drive a manual transmission - the first units being shipped to dealers in February will all be equipped with manual transmissions.

If you can't handle the three-pedal setup, you'll be forced to wait a bit longer for your Fiat 500. Examples equipped with the six-speed automatic will begin arriving in March and April. Then again, you may have to wait that long regardless of your transmission preference, since currently, only 20 percent of the 130 Fiat dealerships are ready to open. The first one, Motor Village in Los Angeles, is set to open its doors later this month.

Gallery: Fiat 500 Colors

[Source: Autoweek]

Report: First batch of U.S.-bound Fiat 500s coming with manuals originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Jan 2011 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Car and Driver launches 'Save the Manuals!' campaign [w/video]

Zach Bowman — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 15:30:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Humor

Car and Driver wants to Save the Manuals - Click above to watch the video after the break

The minds at Car and Driver have anointed themselves the champions of the manual transmission. In order to defend the three-pedal way of life from the onslaught of apathetic automatics out there, the magazine has initiated a new awareness campaign under the "Save the Manuals" banner. The plan is more of an awareness movement than anything else, complete with PSA videos, stickers and buttons. Watch out slushboxes, this is a no-holds barred assault.

We've heard all of the arguments about why the age of the manual transmission is coming to a close - more efficient automatics, the rise of the double-clutch cog box, etc - but we still love rowing our own gears. Car and Driver has brought up an interesting point by saying that manuals can actually help cut down on distracted driving. How? It's bound to be quite a bit more difficult to text while driving something with a third pedal.

Whether that's true or not, we'll let you decide, but if you want to get in on the campaign to save the manual transmissions from the icy claw of extinction, you can hop over to Car and Driver to see what you can do. You may just get your very own sticker to announce your pride. Hit the jump to watch the PSA. Hat tip to Rokas!

[Source: Car and Driver]

Continue reading Car and Driver launches 'Save the Manuals!' campaign [w/video]

Car and Driver launches 'Save the Manuals!' campaign [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Jul 2010 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Manual Labor: 3-pedal Ferrari California slower, less efficient

Noah Joseph — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 12:31:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Ferrari

Ferrari California - Click above for high-res image gallery

If you are a die-hard, old-school driving enthusiast who still prefers operating three pedals with your own two feet, we've got some news for you. As has been reported off and on for the past few years, Ferrari - in as vivid a sign of the times as when Kodak stopped selling film cameras - is phasing out the use of manual transmissions. That is, not before one last hurrah, though having a manual-equipped Ferrari comes with some drawbacks these days.

The California is slated to be the last Ferrari available with a traditional manual transmission. It's been over a year since the car's market introduction, during which time only the seven-speed dual clutch transmission has been available. But purists can now order the California with a real six-speed manual, complete with clutch pedal, double-cone synchros with multiple pawl asymmetric geometry and an oil bath fork and lever system.

It'll cost you though, if not in price then both performance and fuel economy. Compared to the sub-four second sprint to 60 miles per hour and the 17.8-mpg rating that the California achieves with its seven-speed DSG transmission, the manual-equipped model takes even the most skilled hands 4.2 seconds to get up to highway hustle while returning 15.8 miles per gallon.

Gallery: First Drive: Ferrari California

[Source: Autopareri via Motor Authority]

Manual Labor: 3-pedal Ferrari California slower, less efficient originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Mar 2010 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Push Me, Pull You: R&T investigates the comings and goings of gear changes

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 08:59:00 EST

Filed under: Etc.

When it isn't unusual to get into five or six different cars a month, you realize you spend a lot of time figuring out how, and how many ways, one can shift the gears in an automatic or double-clutch car. Where is the shifter? How many settings does the shifter have? How do I get into manual shift mode? Once there, how does it work? Are there paddle shifters as well? Do the paddle shifters move with the wheel or not? And so on...

Road & Track surveyed a number of automakers about how they set up their manual shifting modes. Some require you to push the lever forward to upshift, while for others that's a downshift, and a couple demand you move the lever side-to-side. The 13 makers examined all have their reasons, the loose consensus being that the forward-for-downshift bunch is modeled after driving dynamics, the forward-for-upshift bunch based on intuitiveness and customer feedback.

At least two makers have two cars that use different shifting methods. And if not for Subaru, Audi, and Porsche there'd be a nice way to classify the forward-for-upshift crowd as being for buyers who aren't into sporting driving. As far as we're concerned, forward should be for downshifts, and single-function paddles should be mounted on the wheel, not the column. But you can tell us what you think in the comments.

[Source: Road & Track]

Push Me, Pull You: R&T investigates the comings and goings of gear changes originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Dec 2009 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments