Paddle Shift Trans?

[aramp1]

I'll admit, this is all bada$$, but it's still an automatic

[Steve Chryssos]

Yeah, I know. Nothing can replace rowing gears. But manu-matics definitely fit into the "Don't knock it til ya try it" category.

An adaptable paddle shifted manual transmission system is not impossible, but it will be difficult to produce for a universal application. The robotics aren't the problem. It's the computer logic. The right algorithm for one application might result in a blown engine when installed behind a different application. So I think that in the future, paddle shifted manuals will be sold as complete drivetrains or with disclaimers stating that system must be installed behind such and such specific engine parameters. There would be some programming options to suit different vehicles (i.e. final gear ratio, tire dia, etc).
Hey people complain about the functionality of the Magnetti-Marelli's system in their six figure Ferraris. It seems the automatic mode in particular has it's share of bugs and quirks.

In the mean time there are some clear benefits to the manu-matic. Like you can tell it what mph to prevent accidental downshifts. (i.e. no downshifts into 1st gear above 30mph). You can do that for all three primary gears. Another benefit is the ability to adjust shift firmness. The hardest thing to get over is that not every shift needs to be set on kill. Originally I thought I needed to be Michael Shumacher--All shifts were set up to be lightening fast regardless of throttle position or rpm. Turns out that you want to slow down the shifts to "slip the clutch" during most part throttle gear changes. Regardless, the ability to tune these and other parameters is pretty cool. And it's easy as pie.

And of course, there are always times when you just want to switch over to automatic mode. I would never want a manual transmission for the Woodward Dream Cruise.