Save the Manuals! - Car and Driver

I love manuals personally...Much nicer to drive, whether its a cheap beater with rwd and a locking differential, or a 500K LP670 SV, I'd always want a manual. You can have more fun with it, I feel more in control and overall it's more satisfying. Especially on Ferrari's and Lamborghini's, the classic open gated metal gear stick, the click-clack noise when you shift...

I just hope Lamborghini & Ferrari will keep offering a manual gearbox as an option over the stupid E-gear and F1 gearboxes, even if it is a 10K option.

I have a special dislike for people who say ''I've got the F1 gearchange option, so it's much faster on the track''. That's fine, IF you drive it at the track, which 9/10 times, the owner doesn't. And 9/10 times of those who DO drive on track, can't even get 70% out of the car, even with their manettino switch set to 'save-your-ass' mode, flappy paddles and carbon ceramic brakes. If you got the option and just say ''because it's much more relaxing'', all the power to you, I take my hat off...

 

I actually like manual transmission on cars that have low hp because it is the only way sometimes to get any performance out of them. A ford focus or whatever is a horrible car to drive but at least in manual trans it is a little fun. But in the high hp cars like corvettes and ferraris and so on, I am perfectly happy with the "stupid flappy paddle gearboxes." its not as fun but i am honest enough with my own abilities to know that i cannot defeat the automated manual no matter how much Jerry Clarkson hates them.

 

I love manual. I'm ok with F1 transmissions taking over as long as the manual is still an option! Don't take away my ability to choose my preferred transmission.

Besides, all REAL drivers know you can't spell "manual transmission" without "MAN"

 

I thought you meant service manuals...

 

That was my first impression too

 

Dear Lamborghinisti,

I thought the same thing too....

I remember my old 308 manual....how to set valve timing, camber / caster measurements, very involved for the enthusiast.

Even my Testarossa manual is pretty comprehensive on how to bleed the brakes, clutch, gear oil...but a few more.."take to a Ferrari service center".

Today's manuals should just be one page...."take to your local dealer"...



Shamile

Freeze....Miami Vice !

 

I think manuals should stay on super cars as an option simply because there are very little areas where you can achieve that high of a speed. And if you cant do the speed, you might as well enjoy the experience.... the experience of being part of car with a manual is mainly be able to listen to (or most of the time) your input and provide you with an equally proportional output of sounds, acceleration, and deceleration... Clicking a button is great if you are on the 405 in peak traffic hour... but then again, exotics were never meant for that... they were meant for the gently winding roads with the occasional slow car to pass... And if so, why not a manual? You wont get bored with your car as fast, and you definitely will respect the car much more... Afterall, in many cases the process often yields more satisfaction than the reward...