Here's how it works.
In VW / Audi's system for instance, the driver pulls the paddle, and the computer un-clutches, adjusts the RPM's, and re-clutches. The entire
process takes two tenths of a second and is incredibly smooth. No human driver could shift gear this quickly or consistently, and during downshifts, the system even "blips" the throttle, sending the revs skyrocketing as needed and creating to Schumaker sound effects. Hence the name Direct Shift Gearbox, or DSG. (BMW's paddle gearshift system is called "SMG" for Sequential Manual Gearbox- same idea) If you've never learned heel-and-toe shifting, either transmission will have everybody who's listening fooled.
Thing is, learning heel-and-toe shifting is still more rewarding.
Your choice in transmission is a matter of taste and preference. Like any other system in a vehicle, the options are becoming more and more vast.
Six-speed automatics
Mind you, selectable or paddle-actuated shifting isn't offered on every high performance transmission. Introduced on the Fusion and now available
many other Ford models is a six-speed automatic, which surprisingly doesn't offer up a manual mode at all- though it makes up for this shortfall in other areas. Jody Narozanski, who manages a Ford Lincoln dealership, tells me "6 speed automatic is the way of the future for Ford Vehicles. It gives you the best combination of performance, fuel economy and capability. The technology allows smooth shifts, seamless power and economy, as well as the towing capability a lot of customers require on everything from a Fusion to a Navigator."
With so many benefits, six speed automatics will soon become the new standard, and Ford was one of the first companies to offer the technology at an affordable level.
What about eight-speed automatics?
But six gears on an automatic might not seem as impressive as it once did, because the all-new LS 460 and LS 460L extended wheelbase models were
set to arrive in Lexus showrooms last month. Both models feature a 4.6 litre V8 engine which develops a potent 380 horsepower, managed by an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Some exotic BMW and Mercedes models had the most ratios with their seven-speed gearboxes for the past year or so, but now it seems that Lexus has raised the bar. Pricing for the "L" designated extended wheelbase model starts at $98,700.
In VW / Audi's system for instance, the driver pulls the paddle, and the computer un-clutches, adjusts the RPM's, and re-clutches. The entire
 |
| (Photo: Justin Pritchard, Auto123.com) |
Thing is, learning heel-and-toe shifting is still more rewarding.
Your choice in transmission is a matter of taste and preference. Like any other system in a vehicle, the options are becoming more and more vast.
Six-speed automatics
Mind you, selectable or paddle-actuated shifting isn't offered on every high performance transmission. Introduced on the Fusion and now available
 |
| (Photo: Ford) |
With so many benefits, six speed automatics will soon become the new standard, and Ford was one of the first companies to offer the technology at an affordable level.
What about eight-speed automatics?
But six gears on an automatic might not seem as impressive as it once did, because the all-new LS 460 and LS 460L extended wheelbase models were
 |
| (Photo: Lexus) |
Some exotic BMW and Mercedes models had the most ratios with their seven-speed gearboxes for the past year or so, but now it seems that Lexus has raised the bar. Pricing for the "L" designated extended wheelbase model starts at $98,700.