Jambo
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Registered: 8th Sep 01
Location: Maidenhead, Drives: VXR Arctic
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I dont understnad why companies are not offering manual options. I cant see the business sense behind it, is it emissions or something like that?
Cant see basic, cheaper tech and charging a similar amount for it being a bad idea? At least the option would be good as I would imagine it will put some off, allthough personally I would have the latter flappy paddle option it seems odd not to give people the choice.
Same with Clio RS, GT3 etc
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John
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Registered: 30th Jun 03
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I don't think that's an issue outside of elite driving forums anyway.
They are selling more than ever, same as with the million models.
The majority of people just don't care. Does it have the ZF gearbox that everyone raves about?
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ed
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Registered: 10th Sep 03
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Chris Harris put the argument forward that not having a manual GT3 would be alienating a small minority of hardcore fans (who should just be driving 996's and 997's really) and opening up the car to a much wider audience who might look elsewhere if the car was manual only. The same theory applies to the Clio at a guess and the cost of running two transmission options could hurt profits.
I think the real reason manufacturers are putting these gearboxes into their cars is to eliminate the driver from fucking things up. Emissions standards are getting more stringent so it's harder and harder to produce something fun to drive, but is green enough to sell. I suppose the good news is that a lot of cars are getting double clutch gearboxes now which are (probably) better than an old fashioned H box.
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ed
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Registered: 10th Sep 03
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But as said, the M4 rumour was squashed pretty quickly:
http://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=879669
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Jambo
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Registered: 8th Sep 01
Location: Maidenhead, Drives: VXR Arctic
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I can certainly buy the Clio argument for above. It is clear that the hardcore halo hot hatch model with pure gearbox and N/A engine has been replaced with a turbo small block with a flappy paddle gearbox and 5doors has alienated basically everyone who bought a 172/182/197/200 but opened it up to a mass market...
Id say though whilst that makes business sense, the only model in their range they haven't struggled to sell in huge numbers has been culled and the halo image removed, in my eyes is completely stupid.
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Robin
Premium Member
Registered: 7th Jan 04
Location: Northants Drives: Clio 182 Cup
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Harris also made the point that anyone who says 'I prefer a car with a manual' and uses motorsport as a reason is a moron.
He drove the Clio 200T cup racer and compared the DCT to the Sadev unit in the race car (I know...) saying that if anything, it'll mean that people like it as they an liken their car to a race car.
The racers prefer paddles as it means more control, the public are wrong, essentially.
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John
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Registered: 30th Jun 03
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Outside of the elite, not worrying about changing gears probably means they can drive the car faster.
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Jambo
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Registered: 8th Sep 01
Location: Maidenhead, Drives: VXR Arctic
User status: Offline
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With SMG and I would assume many others like DSG, it gives you tweo gearboxes in one. An auto and a manual. So depending on the situation/time they are better than one permanent option.
Plus as computers are changing gear they last longer. People are quick to slate E36 SMG as being a nightmare. But nobody has even seen 6th gear syncro problems in an SMG unlike MOST 70k+ E36 M3 Manuals.....
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Robin
Premium Member
Registered: 7th Jan 04
Location: Northants Drives: Clio 182 Cup
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The Clio DCT is like SMG, so is the BMW one
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Graham88
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Registered: 16th Apr 07
Location: South East Kent Drives: E46 M3
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Manual all the way. I'm sure these boxes make you faster etc but I just prefer the bigger feeling of control you get with a manual box
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Ben G
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Registered: 12th Jan 07
Location: Essex
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Did you not convert yours to smg, graham?
It wouldn't bother me. As said, flappy paddles would make you feel like a race car driver and gives you bragging points. 99% of people would think it's cool.
Also, no chance to fuck up a gear change, like i've done a few times recently whilst driving tired.
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ed
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Registered: 10th Sep 03
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No chance of invalidating your Porsche warranty on the PDK cars either 
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Graham88
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Registered: 16th Apr 07
Location: South East Kent Drives: E46 M3
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quote:
Originally posted by Ben G
Did you not convert yours to smg, graham?
It wouldn't bother me. As said, flappy paddles would make you feel like a race car driver and gives you bragging points. 99% of people would think it's cool.
Also, no chance to fuck up a gear change, like i've done a few times recently whilst driving tired.
Na mate, SMG cars are still a manual gearbox, I just swapped the bellhousings and used the gears from the SMG box.
We use our cars for different purposes though to be fair. If I didn't enjoy trackdays I'd maybe consider an auto box more. DSG in the VW's is bloody awesome
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morpheus22
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Registered: 10th Oct 05
Location: sheffield
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lovely car ........bar the wheels they look gash
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