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Do stick shifts have a future? BMW's view
Tom Purves, CEO of BMW North America, was quoted as saying "There's a great affection for the traditional manual gearbox among many enthusiasts. But only in the United States. Europe is more focused on Formula One, with the faster paddle shifters. In the U.S., the pinnacle of motor sports is NASCAR, and they have four on the floor. The Hollywood image of a race car driver is him shifting down here [pointing to the floor]".1
Why is it American's are stuck on manual shifters over SMG and paddle shifting? I understand our "hollywood image" of racing makes many of us choose tradition over new technology. Are there any studies that can prove one type of transmission is better than another? Maybe someone knows of a study where they tested which is faster, smoother, more reliable, less movable/breakable parts, better for the engine.
1 http://www.usnews.com/usnews/biztech...rickspicks.htm
| | Reply » Do stick shifts have a future? BMW's view |
The DSG system is a great thing and is the future. I much rather drive that, than a stick, much faster but until we get it here in more than just Audi's my only choice is the stick. The F1 transmissions are also a thing of beauty but left to expensive makes at this time, in a few years the stick shift will be a thing of the past. I for one would buy an F1 or DSG if it was available (but it is not), note how I never said I would buy an SMG...... As for NASCAR, go fast turn left wow what fun  They market that towards a certain customer, usually not German car fans, and that is the majority of our countries population. All I know is the only Nascar race anywhere near me(300 miles away) is in the middle of nowhere at Watkins Glen and it is not a go fast turn left race, more of windy course and where I watch Porsches and Ferraris as well...so that race is not a norm for NASCAR and it happens to not be where the majority of NASCAR fans are, coincidence??? I think not. Nascar has nothing on an Audi R8 or a BMW Williams car.... that is the future, The US tends to stick in the past, appealing to the baby boomers sense of childhood etc. Where foreign companies appeal to technology and the future; part of the reason most US manufacturers have gone retro.
| | Reply » Do stick shifts have a future? BMW's view |
Quote: Tom Purves, CEO of BMW North America, was quoted as saying "There's a great affection for the traditional manual gearbox among many enthusiasts. But only in the United States. Europe is more focused on Formula One, with the faster paddle shifters. In the U.S., the pinnacle of motor sports is NASCAR, and they have four on the floor. The Hollywood image of a race car driver is him shifting down here [pointing to the floor]".1
Why is it American's are stuck on manual shifters over SMG and paddle shifting? I understand our "hollywood image" of racing makes many of us choose tradition over new technology. Are there any studies that can prove one type of transmission is better than another? Maybe someone knows of a study where they tested which is faster, smoother, more reliable, less movable/breakable parts, better for the engine.
1 http://www.usnews.com/usnews/biztech...rickspicks.htm |
We Americans... are control freaks... plain and simple. 
| | Reply » Do stick shifts have a future? BMW's view |
Um .... yeah, I was all excited to get an SMG until they *PULLED IT* from the options list!  Idiots. No wonder we don't like it as much ... we can't f&cking GET IT! Of course I'd be the first one pissing and moaning when it was always breaking.
I think it's more that German brands don't have a great track record with new, complicated electronics systems. Americans are conditioned that the most simplistic system is going to be the most reliable one. If it's got gears, cogs and levers, the Germans can do that real good. If it's electronics and software, better leave it to Honda or Toyota.
I still would've bought one ....
| | Reply » Do stick shifts have a future? BMW's view |
Since the US M5 will get a manual option, I'd say they are here to stay.  I never saw the point of SMG ... just buy an automatic.
| | Reply » Do stick shifts have a future? BMW's view |
Quote: | Since the US M5 will get a manual option, I'd say they are here to stay. I never saw the point of SMG ... just buy an automatic. | I though SMG had faster shifts than a manual tranny
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Do stick shifts have a future? BMW's view