For the AP1, especially with the Type-V steering system, a paddle-shifter would seem very well placed.

However, I'm glad I have my six-speed manual.

 

Good F1 systems (BMW & Ferrari) change gears significantly faster and smoother than a human operator could ever hope to be able to do themselves.

Most people have only ever driven an automatic with paddle shifters, which is completely different.

 

Even BMW's system wasn't too hot until the latest iteration, SMGIII. A proper paddle shifter setup is just starting to be perfected by a few companies. It will be years before they're common, if they ever are.

 

The new VW Jetta GLI has paddle shifting "DSG" that actually cuts down on 0-60 time just like the big boys.

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drive...rticleId=107126

If VW can do it on a car that is under 30k, then I'm sure Honda could too if the demand was there and it wanted to.

 

I don't think its a good idea to put paddle shifter on the S2000. Where would the fun be in using it?
Imagine autocrossing or gymkana, what if you are tossing the wheel back and forth quickly and you need to changes gears, I think the advatage would go to having a manual gear shift so there is no hesitation on trying to get your fingers positions to the paddles while the wheel is still spinning quickly.

In my opinion, the fun part of driving a manual car is doing the motion of jabbing the clutch and trowing the shifter into gear. It just feels nice

 

I drove the M3 SMG and it shifts really quick and I am convinced one would be faster around a track with it vs. manual in the same car. The M3 has so much power available at any RPM, that the paddles aren't as fun; not much need to shift very often. In a car that requires more shifting like S2000, I think the paddles could be really cool.

The electronics could prevent needless wear too.

 

I think the S2000 is more suited to a sequential transmission than many other cars given it's power band and gearing. I, for one, would definitely benefit from an SMG or DSG style transmission, especially at an autocross. My lanky frame finds it very difficult to heel-toe when the going gets hot. My legs hit the wheel and I can't get a good position with the pedals.

DSG is the way to go. Dual clutches allow almost automatic-smooth shifting, while remaining lightning fast. Sure, its not as involving as a true manual, but its racing derived technology...

I don't have any experience driving the DSG or SMG trannies, but I have driven a few sequential race cars and the benefit is amazing.

 

Righ on! This is what I wanted to hear.

As I stated when I started the tread is that I have driven the 360 F1 and it was no automatic! Sure the car costs 10 times more than ours, but like someone said, Honda could do it just as well if demand was there. I guess I was interested in demand.

Don't get me wrong, I love slaming the 6spd manual in gear at redline, but on the twisties it could really aid in control and shift times. Not to mention, if I could afford 2 Ferraris, one would be F1 and one would be manual. It does feel more like driving!

 

I'm not a fan of paddle shifters, its just not the same as a real manual tranny IMO. I have driven an SMG M3 and the novelty wore off after 20 minutes of driving. Also, the car was VERY jerky, and not smooth at all when I drove it normally. I'm not a fan of paddle shifting , but to each their own.

 

As far as i know, the SMG technology isnt up to par when it comes to smooth shifts. Smoothness can be instigated with throttle work though. At least its more involving...

DSG on the other hand is SIGNIFICANTLY smoother than any SMG transmission due to the nearly seemless power transmission. DSG is the way to go. If VW can put it in a $30,000 car, Honda can perfect it in a $30,000 car