Keep in mind that Ferrari and other high end cars have automated manuals and not paddle shifter automatics. I do not disagree that a automatic, be it traditional or SMG/DSG is faster but there is something about driving a stick with the clutch pedal that in involving. The feel of driving the same car with an auto and a stick is totally different. Before I got the SLK I visited several M3 forums. Bunches of people on there were going the SMG shift in 0.000453 seconds but it just isn't a fun as a stick.
I should also note that SMG/DSG and good ole foot operated clutch cars have less drivetrain loss than cars with automatics and torque converters.
With all that said the AMG 7sp is designed/programmed to downshift when braking etc to mimic a old fashion manual gearbox which, for me, helps bridge the gap between the two. |