Seems like most of us love 5-speeds, or 6 if we could get em. Would anyone go the way of the "Tiptronic" camp? I still have no problems with a manual living in a city with heavy traffic. But I figure if even Porsche is gonna start selling more and more cars with the Tippys it's gotta be a serious alternative.

I've got a weird feeling that from talking to other owners the brakes last a long time with the 5-speeds, probably because we are naturally using our motors to brake when we downshift. I don't think there is any harm done to the motor, either, when done normally.

I think I'm still a manual tranny guy. Even though many cars show higher EPA highway with the auto version, I think that is actually misleading due to the extremely tall gear ratios found on the autos.

 

I hope and pray to god that "Tiptronic" style "manumatic" trannies don't start taking over. It's jsut a toy for all the poseurs out there who don't have the skills or will to drive a stickshift every day. Ferarri's computer-controlled manual is what I'd really like to see, IF anything.

And using the engine to slow down, when done gently, will not hurt the engine at all, but will promote faster clutch wear.

-- And to all those people who are going to whine and ***** about having to drive a stick in city traffic all the time,: Be glad you don't live in England.

 

My wifes car is a Dodge Stratus and it has the 'Auto Stick'. I can't comment on the Triptronic, but there is no replacement for a stick if you ask me.