Date: Tue, 15 Apr 2003 20:11:56 -0700 From: B&D <NO_SPAMnopsamCOM> Subject: Re: GM to increase SAAB lineup
On 4/15/03 1:21 PM, in article v9oqei3fi5gvfenopsam.supernews.com, "Mark Gerritsma" <nl.autonopsamtmfweb.nld> wrote: > B&D <NO_SPAMnopsamCOM> schreef: > >> The Chrysler manumatic is awful, I agree. They are getting better, >> though, and even high end cars are tending to be sold with at least >> automatic clutching (Ferrari springs to mind!). The Infiniti G35 >> with an automatic/manumatic is a very good example, as is the >> Tiptronic offered by Audi/VW. > > You have forgotten to mention the newest incarnation which is Audi's > DSG transmission. Essentially these are two three speed manual > transmissions with their own (automatic) clutches built into a single > gearbox. You intermittently use the one or the other part of the > gearbox, so the other one can preselect the next gear. If you want to > shift to the next gear, you just have to disengage one clutch and > engage the other one, thus drastically reducing the shift times. The > journalists who test drove the cars equipped with it (Audi TT 3.2 V6 > and VW Golf R32) had very positive impressions. Heard about this shortly after the post - any idea when it will be generally available? Seems to me that Audi is quite innovative here. Though I have to admit the Saab 5-speed auto won me over for the wife's car (9-5 Aero), so even now the new autos seem to win over the die hrds - even if it is for others! > >> The other ones on offer that are kind of interesting is the CVT's >> that are being revived - the same speed as a stick and better > mileage >> than a stick - but no clutching. > > Another originally Dutch invention which finally is getting the > credits it should have gotten years ago. Yes! It is an amazing invention - and what I feel the manual transmission will go to - and probably most manual transmissions as well. I had no idea it was Dutch - thanks for the info!
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