I recall reading around here that BMW was working on a new design for an automated manual transmission that could be built as either an automatic or a manual. The objective is to have more than 6 ratios in this fuel efficiency focused world. I don't see how having to punch a clutch pedal at every shift helps anything. It can only lead to driver error. Perhaps this new design transmission will offer a sufficient level of involvement and control with faster and consistent shifts. Most high end cars now come equipped with some kind of a paddle shift transmission. To me, the manual seems like clinging to the past.
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