But as I posted in another thread they could use a Ferrari like shift gate to look cool! Would expect they would not use devices like micro switches but rather non contact ones like the Hall sensors currtely used with rev match to define what gear you planning to go into. Don’t see why they can’t use the DCT mecanisum as is. Currently they have to use a logic algorithm that is sometimes wrong. For example when accelerating they “assume” the next gear needed is an upshift and the DCT is already in that gear. However if for whatever reason you wanted to go into a lower gear and taped the brake, say for a turn, it has to change the preselected gear to the lower one. It just takes a fraction of a second longer.

Currently I commonly shift from 5th to 3rd when making a casual turn. Also 7th on the interstate to direct drive 4th. Would be nice to continue and no reason all the DCT controls could not be activated with a level and position sensors. There is also an issue on take-off not wanting the clutch to slip excessively. The pedal activated sensor could apply it with human logic better than a computer guess.

All appear to be doable and give the driver satisfaction of a standard shift. After all the airplane I just landed on for tomorrow’s visit to the Rider Cup was all operated by fly by wire. Just like the airplane there is a computer that operates it normally but in an emergency the pilot can control most items. In fact as they do with an airplane, if you try to downshift and the lower gear would be above redline- they could limit that! Now if you mistakenly go from 5th to say 2nd when 4th was intended, once you release the clutch the tires etc can rotate the engine above redline!

agree. It’s silly to say that someone “can’t afford it” just because they don’t **** their money away.

On a MUCH smaller scale, I remember one guy here giving me **** because IMHO Mobil One oil filters are over priced. I buy WIX.

More likley as that is a GM benifit! They need gas saving technology to meet corporate mpg goals.

Propely integrated Start/Stop works great. In our BMW X5 SUV you don’t even know it’s working. Foot off the brake and can’t hear the starter. Some companies are shutting the car off just after an ignition cycle so the combustion pressure in that cylinder is what is mostly used to turn the engine. It also uses a form on braking energy recovery by only using the alternator when coasting or braking. The Vette already has electric steering just need to add an electric water pump.

Sure. No doubt. Unless you actually race and/or care about performance figures. Manuals are slower. By a wide margin.

More fun? The argument could be made.

Better Performance? Not since the late 90’s.

edit: I’m 100% confident you’ve not tried a newer auto/dct/manu-magic. They’re just as exhilarating as a manual... unless you never actually push your car. If you’re a cruiser? Pick your poison.

Agree a DCT with standard trans efficient spur gears and no inefficent torque converter is better than a “slush box l
ike the A8. If they added a simple shift by wire manual activation lever could keep the fun in driving and skipping gears when desired etc. We’ll see it GM incorporates that feature in the Tremic DC Transaxle.