The GSR and ITR have never been offered in an automatic. The NSX is, but I think they needed to cater to the people who spend $80K on a car.

This is a pure roadster and Honda's gift to the auto-enthusiast. I don't see an automatic coming our way any time soon.

 

Still comes back to the fact that I dont forsee a company being able to really use the engines full potential with a automatic transmission! For christ sake its got a 9,000 rpm red line.

OK yes I do drive in 2 modes shift at 4-5,000 rpms or 8,000 rpms. I suppose there could be a button to press but damb! What a pain that would be to deal with.

 

I don't see it coming either but I believe it has crossed Honda's mind.

I remember there were couple pre-introduction articles (way back in 98 or so) that said a sequential tranny will probably be available in its 2nd year production....so much for that.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Pinky:
[B]Still comes back to the fact that I dont forsee a company being able to really use the engines full potential with a automatic transmission!

 

I think most of people here got mistaken with Semi-Automatic and sequential gearbox. There are only 3 cars that I know have sequential gearbox. That is BMW M3 SMG, Ferrari F355 F1 and Ferrari F360 F1. If there are more, please correct me. Never mind the race cars. Most of them all have sequential. For the people doesn't know the difference between sequential and semi-automatic. Semi-Automatics still uses a Torque Converter (which is the heart of the automatic tranny) to do the shifting. The sequential gearbox still have clutch and flywheel but they uses hydrolic clutch. Therefore remove the clutch pedal from the floor. Think of as machine presses the clutch for you and you will never stall the engine.

Sequential gearbox does not cost HP unlike regular Automatics. However, the money cost of a sequential gearbox on a production model car is fairly high. Imagine a racing sequential gearbox only need to last around 2 hours on the race track. but a production car has to last several tens or hundreds thousands miles. For example, the SMG option cost on a brand new M3 is 5,000.00 GBP that is 7,462.12 USD.

Personally, I favor a SMG in our S2K. That will make S2K a absolute fun car to drive on the road and on the track. Shifting in .02 secs. That would definetly cut the 0-60 and 0-1/4 time. There will be no more mis shift. As the computer will not let you downshift from 5th to 2nd gear. That will make a common Joe like me become Michael Schumacher overnight.

In reality, I don't think SMG will survive a rush hour driving. The hydrolic will work too hard trying to engage and disengage clutch too often and to keep the engine running at the same time.

If you have more questions, I would love to talk about it indepth. I have some experience with sequential gearboxes.

 

If you want a sequential gearbox for the S2k
Quaife make one.

It comes in either 4,5,or 6 speeds
still uses a clutch but you can shift much faster.
I almost went with a sequential for the racecar but then they were $13k the Quaife is like $7k. A bargin.

 

As the S2000 is not a status car nor a luxury car but rather a true limited run sports car I cannot see any reason for Honda to make the investment into something as stupid as an automatic transmission.

On the other hand, a true F1, paddle style sequential is a whole different ball of wax (as has been noted in prior messages). Of course, this would add significantly to the cost of the car, so...

If anyone from Honda is listening...
There has been all sorts of speculation about a Type-R S2000. IMHO, if this were to occur I would strongly suggest that a sequential transmission as described above be either an option or, in fact, the de facto set-up. A Type-R by its very nature is intended to be a track car, and there is a reason F1 cars have gone to this sort of transmission. So, along with a fuel cell, some carbon fiber body parts, upgraded suspension and brakes and a roll bar I'd suggest adding this to the list.

Just dreaming...

-c

 

Thanks for the feedback guys. Yes, what I was referring to was a true sequential (clutchless manual - not hydraulic auto) as Stealthy has identified.

As I understand it, the MR2 already has one of these nifty gadgets with both wheel paddles and a console mounted shifter giving you the best of both worlds. I believe it shouldn't add significantly to the price (given that the MR2 is only $US22k).

I also think Toyota would have thought about the commuter driving implications before unleashing this on the unsuspecting public.

With the potential for faster shifts I think it could be given a good thing.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Stealthy_S2K:
[B]If you have more questions, I would love to talk about it indepth.

 

Seriously, dealers don't know jack about the S. They have no need to as they are already sold before they hit the floor

With all due respect, the S2000 has its share of competitors and if you think the stook is an easy sell, you are right...but ONLY because of its limited availability.

There are already S's with automatic transmissions, tame rear ends and roofs. They're called Integra's. The Twin Mode clutch is just a button operated clutch so still scary to the manually impaired, and if it's like other Spoon parts you could probably get a nice Boxster w/Tiptronic for the cost an S and it.

With more due respect, the stook is nothing like an Integra beyond the fact that they are both automobiles.