http://driving.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,12929-1570801,00.html
Why didn't BMW offer a manual? Do they think performance car buyers really don't enjoy shifting anymore?
Rumor has it due to pressure from BMW NA that a manual version will be offered in the M5. Maybe they'll trickle some manual trannys in the M6.
I read that somewhere too. Apparently the only market that is whinning for it is the US market, so they will be the only market to get it. They mentioned something about the rest of the world, where f1 is king, thinks sequential is the more sporting option. I don't remember where I read that though.
What's ironic is that manual transmissions in the US seem to be largely bought by enthusiasts on sporty cars with auto being the realm of daily drivers, and everywhere else manuals are daily drivers and auto is seen as luxurious.
it would be more ironic if sequentials were automatics. I had a M3 briefly with SMG II. It was fun to drive, and I can certainly see why a lot of people would love the idea of a sequential box. Hell, I love the idea of it. I just missed the manual on track days, and my gf always wanted to drive the car (she can't drive stick). Now, a car like the M5 or M6 I would probably get in sequential. It's not a car I would ever take to the track, it's just something to have fun with, go to work in, I don't need a manual for that. I get along fine with an automatic for commuting, but I would love it to be sequential.
I can't stand the styling of new BMWs. here is an M6 http://www.germancarfans.com/photos/3041213.002/1006big.jpg here is a 6 series http://members.roadfly.org/bm75204/645TrunkUp.jpg M6's interior for $100,000+ http://www.germancarfans.com/photos/3041213.002/1011big.jpg
Neither the M5 or M6 will have the active steering. Isn't this a tacit admission by BMW that it is garbage?
If so, this will be a completely different gearbox than the SMG that's in the car. The SMG gearbox developed for the car is application specific. It's not an adapted manual gearbox.
