U.S. Transmission ("Park") - Page 3 - Smart Car of America Forums : Smart Car Forum

lhoboy · 09-12-2007, 09:11 PM

Why can't we just get a plain old 6 speed manual with clutch. Seems silly to put any kind of "automatic" in a little econobox like this, even if its a clutchless "manual". Seems a bit reminiscent of the clutchless manual trans that was offered in the Beetle back in the 60's. On that, you had to push down on the stick shift when you shifted the standard H pattern.

SmartBob · 09-13-2007, 02:57 AM

Yeah, I would prefer a straight up manual, too.

Old smart · 09-13-2007, 05:03 AM

Has to be to appeal to the auto-only drivers. But a straight stick in a Brabus would make marketing sense.

SmartBob · 09-13-2007, 03:52 PM

I've read that once you master the "paddle", control is pretty kickin'! I'm for that. It'd also be nice to have the auto mode when we get stuck in slow moving traffic, eh?

nader · 09-13-2007, 05:14 PM

I actually like the fact that it has a sequential manual tranny. Usually they can shift faaster and they dont miss a gear. Now in teh case of the smart it migth be fore pure convenience purposes.

Also, parking the car sounds similarto BMW's SMG equipped cars. You have to put the car in reverse to turn the car off and then in neutral to turn it on.

lhoboy · 09-13-2007, 05:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SmartBob

I've read that once you master the "paddle", control is pretty kickin'!

I don't need to learn anything new at my age. I've been heel/toeing it (and double clutching) for the past 40 years. I don't want to have to second guess the electronics. That requires more brains than I got.

MicroNut · 09-13-2007, 06:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lhoboy

I don't need to learn anything new at my age.

I hear you! And don't expect me to read the damn manual either...

lhoboy · 09-13-2007, 07:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MicroNut

I hear you! And don't expect me to read the damn manual either...

My dad taught me well: Manuals are for emergency use only!

smartie yank · 09-17-2007, 08:27 PM

Well guys, I don't want to alarm you but there isn't much about this car that is like what you are driving now. Most of the things to get the car going you are probably already doing without thinking. The biggest difference is the lack of a clutch pedal. Not really a big deal, probably isn't enough room for one anyway. If you want to play like you are shifting go ahead and push the stick. It will make you feel better. Just remember that the computer is doing everything for you, you are just telling it when. Even us old guys can figure it out. After you do it a bit you will find that it really is kind of fun.

oldschool73 · 09-21-2007, 11:49 PM

My only gripe about the smart is this "semi-automatic clutchless transmission with an automated clutch controlled by a computer". I don't understand why car companies these days like to complicate things. Make it come standard with either a five or six speed and provide the automatic as optional. Kinda like what MINI does.

I don't know about you guys but this auto-manual thing in an economy car is just plain dumb. I can see this sort of tech used in Audi or BMW, but in a smart it's just plain unessasary. I mean do you guys think that this auto-manual thing coupled with 71 horsepower is really going to pump your adrenaline? Who are we kidding here?

I'd rather have stick.