As I understand it, the AMG guys feel that you simply cannot get the maximum performance possible from the Turbo'd engine with a manual tranny. Given the rather stiff shifting of the available 6 speed, I would agree.

That said, I am a purist myself and gave up the power of the SRT for the manual shift. My 6 spd manual shifts automaticaly and very smoothly unless I think about it. Then it gets a bit klunky.

For launch, crisp shifts thru fast acceleration and cruising, the SRT trans is the best I've driven and like any part of your performance package, you have to get used to it. Once you are, you won't notice the lag time. It will seem quite normal.

Just like the electronic throttle lag. You forget about it because your mental reactions anticipate it. It seems normal. Launch in the stick is" Klunky" by comparison and the throttle lag is very evident. Not so much in the Autostick.

Like others have said, once your hooked, you probably won't want to go back to the manual. And this is from a stick guy.

roadster with a stick