This is a post I wanted to make on here. This post came from Mr. Wob on Supraforums and it’s really a great outlook on the automotive history to come. (Sad as it may be for some of us who love the 6 speed transmission).
-Posted by Autoblog
Report: Lamborghini’s future includes less weight, no forced induction and… no manuals?!
Lamborghini has thrown the motoring world a curve ball with a report that Sant’Agata will be leaving manual transmissions to the dinosaurs, just like Ferrari. According to Car and Driver, the decision was part of the company’s commitment to increasing the overall fuel economy of its products – something the Raging Bull really hasn’t had to bother with in the past. In addition to scrapping the third pedal, the company says it plans to build ever-lighter exotics, which means you can bet your pants there will be even more carbon fiber in Lambo’s future line-up.
Don’t expect to see any turbocharged Gallardos in the next few years, though. While automakers around the world may be strapping forced induction to their engines as a way to curb fuel consumption and maintain power, Lamborghini says it has no interest in playing with the extra psi. Instead, look for stop/start tech and cylinder deactivation to crop up over the next decade, as well as a mild-hybrid car and an E85-capable V10. The times? They are most definitely changing.
Originally Posted by <b>Autoblog</b> <i><b>Manual Labor: 3-pedal Ferrari California slower, less efficient</b>
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.
- Posted by Mr. Wob
I know there is a split on how people feel about the E-Gears/F-1’s/SMGs/DSG etc of the world, I just happen to be on the side of the split that is sighing not rejoicing. I never found the auto-manuals to be much fun relative to the dog box. It has its entertainment value - the lightning fast shifts, the throaty throttle blips at the flick of the stick, the ease of use for a broader audience. But, it takes the driver yet a another step away from driving.
The the advent of electronic driver traction aids I have found the cars they are attached to be increasingly more focused on the goal rather than the path. Which is great for someone seeking pole position every day in traffic, but not great when it comes to the automotive experience. And let me be clear, I am not saying these aides are not useful at times, and sometimes life preserving, but unfortunately, it seems they used as the base of the experience, rather than the training wheels in which to better learn the monsters to which they are attached.
I found myself driving a ZR1 a few months ago staring nervously at the little skidding car button at my thigh realizing I was not ready to touch it yet after some odd miles with it. Would I have done a phased shut off after more seat time, yes. But it’s the cars that never quite give you that option that have pigeon holed themselves into appeasing the PS3 crowd who wants an experience without the experience.
And now two of the most prolific auto manufacturers are taking away my manual gear boxes. The last holy grail of the automotive world. Since Panhard-Levassor first gave us their idea, that was driving. Automatics have their place as well, without a doubt: I don’t want an S-Class with a big trucker gear lever, nor do I want a Gallardo with some moose antlers behind the wheel. I want to to work for success. I want to have to get my revs right, mash my foot into the brake clutch, neutral, roll my ankle and foot into the gas and blip the gas, gear, clutch, (did I get it right?), whew!, YES!, on the gas, next corner approaching find the line, BRAKE!, repeat. NOT, find the line, there it is, flick that lever, brakes and gas and find the linnneeeee.
Fun, but not involving. And let’s not forget about the stop light race deciding launch. I can understand the ceremonial rocket ship style setup of switches and buttons and mashing the gas and waiting for lift off - fun! I get it, and frankly I probably wouldn’t ever get sick of it, BUT it doesn’t replace the fun of getting it right myself.
We can add two more of our favorite manufacturers to the list of having to feed the masses what they want. It’s a shame that most often those purchasing the most capable cars are often those far removed from the experience.
And let’s examine the second little piece of let down from Lamborghini. Start/Stop technology. Really? I want to hear my quarter of a million dollar car singing - whether it is a soprano blasting down a straight stretch or a tenor snarling at a light waiting for the trigger to be pulled.
We have made tremendous advancements in terms of developing alternative methods of fueling our cars, efficiencies in gas, safety and quality. Unfortunately, each step takes us further from our roots, naturally. It is not a bad thing, however to move forward, but we have done so at the cost of the enthusiast and at the benefit of the appliance based population and the PS3 sports car drivers.
The hyper exotics I am sure will continue to use manual tech for some time, as well as the Corvettes, Camaros and muscle cars of the world. But we am I sure will see a gradual phase out from our old standards as well. As the politicians tighten the belt and the auto makers are forced to shed pounds we will no doubt see “better” cars, but effectively nailing the coffin on an era in of passion in both design and and execution.
Let’s just keep our fingers crossed that legislation does not pass that would limit our ability to own old cars, manual cars, car with XX mpg or worse, classic cars, unnecessary two seater V-12 mid engine death trap Countachs and everything in between.