I ran B&M Autos, w/ stall convertors in the 70's....and never missed a gear, can't say that for the guy next to me...never dropped a clutch, again, can't say that about the guy next to me...it doesn't have to have a clutch and gear shift to be sporty...anyone remember the name "Hall" and the "Chaparell" road racing an automatic...they have been around for years and the Benz people know the auto stick and computer are better than most wannabees gear jammers...I drive an 18 wheeler everyday, I get my fill of shifting...someday, even I will go auto there as well....