i prefer the standard 6-speed, can't stand having an automatic system doing the shifting for me...

 

My girlfriend has an M3 Convertible SMG. I have driven it a few times and find that it is great for traffic. We went to an event last weekend and were in stop and go traffic for about 2 hours. It was fantastic for that trip. But, on the way home, I would have preferred to shift my own gears with a clutch and gearshift on the open roads. The BMW has the option to use the shifter lever on the console or shift with the paddles on the steering wheel. There is no clutch pedal. The paddles were great when going in a straight line but in the corners, they were a bit more difficult to use. I would imagine I could get used to switching between the shifter and the paddles.

The car has an adjuster where you can select between a slow, smooth shift or a very fast, hard shift. While I can not shift as fast as the computer, I believe I can shift much more smooth than it can at any speed.

If it were my car, I think I would stick with the current 6-speed. Mine is not a daily driver so I do not have a need for "automatic mode".

 

I have a 2nd car that's an auto(only because I bought it used and didn't have a choice.) I would never go auto in a sports car. IMO that eliminates half the fun.

 

I test drove an M3 SMG recently and loved it! If I get an M3, I'll order it w/ SMG. I'm not so sure w/ the S2000, though, since it already has a near perfect shift linkage (can't say that about the M3's shifter).

 

I think this would be awesome, but only without the auto function, ala bmw or ferrari. I bought a sports car; I don't want an auto. However, a perfectly matched shift everytime without killing my clutch foot in stop and go traffic is very inviting.

On the other hand, I don't think I'd be willing to pay extra for it either.

 

Has anyone thought about added avoirdupois??

Seriously, I'm not sure of this, but I suspect SMG transmissions are heavier than the non-automated type. There must be some hefty servo motors and additional electronics to control these things. Of course, you have reduced weight without a clutch pedal, I guess.

Has anyone got any weight numbers on roughly comparable units? When we talk about the S2000, that's something that you have to keep in mind.

 

what about steptronic shifting? you can choose automatic or manual shift without having to use the clutch.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Chazmo
Has anyone thought about added avoirdupois??

 

The MR2 spyder weights are similar to the BMW. 20 pounds between the two.

http://www.toyota.com/html/shop/vehicles/m...yder_specs.html

The Spyder gearbox is a true manual, no automatic shifting capability.

 

Wouldn't touch it! Leave it alone.