Hi,

I'm in the process of shopping for a SRT roadster. I have the original sales brocures that Chrysler sent me on the Crossfire (for the 2005 model) and it clearly states "Six speed manual, standard on Crossfire and Limited. Five-speed automatic with AutoStick, standard on SRT6 and available on Limited."

Does this mean that the six speed manual was only available on the non-SRT6 models ? Seems a bit backwards, as most performance enthusiasts prefer a manual transmission, especially a six-speed manual compared to a five-speed automatic

 

Best answer I can give you is, the car is AMG built. AMG cars do not come with maual gearboxes in them. Thus the reason for the 5 speed auto stick in the SRT6. Believe me, the trans in this car is killer! You won't miss not having a clutch! Ok, maybe a little if you're a purist.

 

Thanks, that makes sense.

As long as the auto-trans works well, I personally don't mind giving up rowing gears.

I've always admired the Crossfire, and when the AMG version came out I thought it was a great car (that's why I ordered the 2005 factory brocures), but the price was a bit prohibitive, but now the prices are terrific so I'm looking for a nice clean SRT roadster.

 

Believe me you don't want the manual that comes in these cars in any performance vehicle. The auto trans in the SRT is very nice and makes good use of the power band.

If MB built sports cars instead of GT cars they would've done better on the 6 speed. But it is basically a step up from a "cruising" trans.

 

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

 

After intentionally getting a stick in my last car three years ago, under the belief that you can only use your car's full range of power with a stick, now that I've experienced the srt6's auto tranny I feel like I've been cheated the past 3 years.

 

Sorry, when it comes down to 1/4 mile racing, thumbs down on the manual! I'm sure alot of SRT owners wouldn't have as good of 1/4 mile times with a manual!

 

What all you auto trans guys will never have is the satisfaction of the perfect throttle blip on a downshift, especially with an aftermarket exhaust! That has to be the best sound in the world.

 

If I had the choice of manual vs. auto for the SRT6, I would have chosen the manual. The auto in it is very nice though.

 

I love the auto in the car and all of my cars gave been manuals. This car makes me want to get ride of my other cars. Drop the trans in 2nd and bang, you're gone like a rocket. AMG has really done a great job with this trans and you will get the best of both worlds.

Did I mention, I love my car.

 

And downshifting the rear end loose on a tight turn has to be one of the best feelings in the world. Scares the cr*ap out of my wife though.

Autostick just can't be timed as precisely. That momentary snap of the clutch and get on the throttle is a thrill every time.

Roadster with a stick

 

LOL.....agreed. Though it is more fun when you turn off the ESP (Electronic Stability Programming) and the ESP/W (Extremely Scared Person / Wife).

I'm fortunate to only have the ESP in my car!

 

It's nice having the supercharger at full boost all the time with the autostick. Loosing boost in between manual shifting has always been a killer.