Automatic transmission in a sports car!!!???
Joined: Sep 2009
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From: Milwaukee, WI
Re: Automatic transmission in a sports car!!!???
I do like my stick. I have an NA coupe that is my daily driver. I'd hate to think what the insurance rate on a manual SRT-6 would be 
I seem to remember high performance cars taking an extra hit from the insurance man if they had a manual tranny.
The car has enough torque that driving the stick in traffic isn't a real problem. Sitting in a traffic jam stinks no matter what you're driving.
The only grumble I have is that the Crossfire shifter is rather notchy. I've driven cars that shifted much smoother. Still and all, I wouldn't trade for the autostick. My first sportscar experiences were in MG's and Triumphs. Guess that makes me a purist
I seem to remember high performance cars taking an extra hit from the insurance man if they had a manual tranny. The car has enough torque that driving the stick in traffic isn't a real problem. Sitting in a traffic jam stinks no matter what you're driving.
The only grumble I have is that the Crossfire shifter is rather notchy. I've driven cars that shifted much smoother. Still and all, I wouldn't trade for the autostick. My first sportscar experiences were in MG's and Triumphs. Guess that makes me a purist
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Joined: May 2008
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From: Cincinnati ( Delhi )
Re: Automatic transmission in a sports car!!!???
Originally Posted by AlanH
The only grumble I have is that the Crossfire shifter is rather notchy. I've driven cars that shifted much smoother.
Last edited by James1549; May 25, 2010 at 03:24 PM.
Joined: Oct 2006
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Re: Automatic transmission in a sports car!!!???
Originally Posted by Thirteendog
Come on, how much quicker is it to keep both hands on the steering wheel, pull the paddle and you're already in the next gear before you blink?
I think I'm finally understanding though, change is a hard thing to accept. You spent your life learning the inner workings of a manual transmission. You know what happens when you push the clutch, what happens when you move the stick into another slot, and what happens when you release the clutch.
I can understand not wanting to learn new technology, or having something taken away from you (clutch pedal). I see this sort of mindset all the time, some people think computers make life more difficult. Most of these people don't have the willingness to learn how to use them to enhance their lives or experiences.
I think I'm finally understanding though, change is a hard thing to accept. You spent your life learning the inner workings of a manual transmission. You know what happens when you push the clutch, what happens when you move the stick into another slot, and what happens when you release the clutch.
I can understand not wanting to learn new technology, or having something taken away from you (clutch pedal). I see this sort of mindset all the time, some people think computers make life more difficult. Most of these people don't have the willingness to learn how to use them to enhance their lives or experiences.
Do you really want a car that takes the skill out of driving it? What about a car that manages acceleration? That allows a manufacturer to check how the car was driven that might void the warranty (i.e. the GTR)? That allows cops to issue automatic tickets if you exceed the speed limit by a certain mph? Etc.
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 44
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From: Burleson, TX
Re: Automatic transmission in a sports car!!!???
Originally Posted by Thirteendog
Come on, how much quicker is it to keep both hands on the steering wheel, pull the paddle and you're already in the next gear before you blink?
Uh, yeah. That's pretty cool.
I think I'm finally understanding though, change is a hard thing to accept. You spent your life learning the inner workings of a manual transmission. You know what happens when you push the clutch, what happens when you move the stick into another slot, and what happens when you release the clutch.
Actually you don't seem to understand at all. I've seen 52 years of change and have accepted all that I want and need. Again, you don't seem to understand that I enjoy driving a manual transmission. Not everyone can do it well, if at all. I enjoy my skills. Why would I want to take any away? I continue to learn new things every day and embrace most. I'll be auto crossing my car and setting new time goals at every event. When I get old, lazy and unable to push a pedal, then I'll embrace the electronics, gut until then, this is my rodeo.
I can understand not wanting to learn new technology, or having something taken away from you (clutch pedal). I see this sort of mindset all the time, some people think computers make life more difficult. Most of these people don't have the willingness to learn how to use them to enhance their lives or experiences.
Uh, yeah. That's pretty cool.
I think I'm finally understanding though, change is a hard thing to accept. You spent your life learning the inner workings of a manual transmission. You know what happens when you push the clutch, what happens when you move the stick into another slot, and what happens when you release the clutch.
Actually you don't seem to understand at all. I've seen 52 years of change and have accepted all that I want and need. Again, you don't seem to understand that I enjoy driving a manual transmission. Not everyone can do it well, if at all. I enjoy my skills. Why would I want to take any away? I continue to learn new things every day and embrace most. I'll be auto crossing my car and setting new time goals at every event. When I get old, lazy and unable to push a pedal, then I'll embrace the electronics, gut until then, this is my rodeo.
I can understand not wanting to learn new technology, or having something taken away from you (clutch pedal). I see this sort of mindset all the time, some people think computers make life more difficult. Most of these people don't have the willingness to learn how to use them to enhance their lives or experiences.
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2010
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From: Burleson, TX
Re: Automatic transmission in a sports car!!!???
I get my shiftin' gears fix with this, but if my SRT had a manual in it, I could lose the Triumph, the insurance, gain room in my shop and not scare the hell out of my girlfriend.
TR404.jpg
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TR404.jpg
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Joined: Jan 2008
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Re: Automatic transmission in a sports car!!!???
Ha! You guys! I personally enjoy both, which is why I own both. Yes, Autos can actually be much faster when dragging because you never miss a gear, but you better now how to use a automatic properly when dragging or you're going to lose every time. Although more automatics are appearing, there's just some things that you'll never be able to do with them, such as power shifting at high RPMs consistently. Just my opinion, though. I like complete control over my car at times, and the ease of having my hand free others. 
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From: Fort Worth, Texas
Re: Automatic transmission in a sports car!!!???
Originally Posted by cdvntx
I get my shiftin' gears fix with this, but if my SRT had a manual in it, I could lose the Triumph, the insurance, gain room in my shop and not scare the hell out of my girlfriend.
Personally, coming from an auto Audi it feels great having a stick again!
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 6,285
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From: Carmel, In.
Re: Automatic transmission in a sports car!!!???
Originally Posted by Headlock
me too, who wants to drive a stick in traffic anyways?
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Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,027
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From: Folsom, CA
Re: Automatic transmission in a sports car!!!???
I was a little disappointed at first, but this is one fine autostick. Holds the gears pretty well, unless you push the redline, then it will shift rather than grenade the engine. Far superior to my Z4 autostick that kept shifting itself in the middle of a sweeping curve on the road course (swapping ends in the process).
Living in the LA area with the freeway "parking lots" makes driving the auto much better. And last, AMG doesn't offer a manual, and they do know a little about performance.
You want to shift, slap the shifter silly.
BTW, you REALLY need to keep that cherry Triumph as well. As good as the SRT6 is, at times I am sure that TR is just too much fun.
Living in the LA area with the freeway "parking lots" makes driving the auto much better. And last, AMG doesn't offer a manual, and they do know a little about performance.
You want to shift, slap the shifter silly.
BTW, you REALLY need to keep that cherry Triumph as well. As good as the SRT6 is, at times I am sure that TR is just too much fun.
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Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 25,432
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From: Ontario
Re: Automatic transmission in a sports car!!!???
Originally Posted by Thirteendog
Come on, how much quicker is it to keep both hands on the steering wheel, pull the paddle and you're already in the next gear before you blink?
I think I'm finally understanding though, change is a hard thing to accept. You spent your life learning the inner workings of a manual transmission. You know what happens when you push the clutch, what happens when you move the stick into another slot, and what happens when you release the clutch.
I can understand not wanting to learn new technology, or having something taken away from you (clutch pedal). I see this sort of mindset all the time, some people think computers make life more difficult. Most of these people don't have the willingness to learn how to use them to enhance their lives or experiences.
I think I'm finally understanding though, change is a hard thing to accept. You spent your life learning the inner workings of a manual transmission. You know what happens when you push the clutch, what happens when you move the stick into another slot, and what happens when you release the clutch.
I can understand not wanting to learn new technology, or having something taken away from you (clutch pedal). I see this sort of mindset all the time, some people think computers make life more difficult. Most of these people don't have the willingness to learn how to use them to enhance their lives or experiences.
Thanks I nearly forgot.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 8,505
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From: St Louis MO
Re: Automatic transmission in a sports car!!!???
Manual Transmissions make it really hard to text message or make use of the great cup holder in this car. I'm surprised they even offered it in the US.
Memo to self,
{If you want to embrace the future you are going to have to give up sumptin' }
roadster with a stick
"the way is should be!"
Memo to self,
{If you want to embrace the future you are going to have to give up sumptin' }
roadster with a stick
"the way is should be!"
Last edited by Franc Rauscher; May 25, 2010 at 09:56 PM.
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2010
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From: Burleson, TX
Re: Automatic transmission in a sports car!!!???
Originally Posted by SRT SIX
I was a little disappointed at first, but this is one fine autostick. Holds the gears pretty well, unless you push the redline, then it will shift rather than grenade the engine. Far superior to my Z4 autostick that kept shifting itself in the middle of a sweeping curve on the road course (swapping ends in the process).
Living in the LA area with the freeway "parking lots" makes driving the auto much better. And last, AMG doesn't offer a manual, and they do know a little about performance.
You want to shift, slap the shifter silly.
BTW, you REALLY need to keep that cherry Triumph as well. As good as the SRT6 is, at times I am sure that TR is just too much fun.
Living in the LA area with the freeway "parking lots" makes driving the auto much better. And last, AMG doesn't offer a manual, and they do know a little about performance.
You want to shift, slap the shifter silly.
BTW, you REALLY need to keep that cherry Triumph as well. As good as the SRT6 is, at times I am sure that TR is just too much fun.
I'm more surprised than disappointed. You would've thought the marketing gurus at Chrysler would have come up with a racing series for the Crossfire. I guess that's good for us that production was low.
I haven't had much of a chance to put the car through it's paces. I live in the country where the roads are pretty poor, so spirited driving is not too easy. Fortunately there are several tracks here in the area and many autocross clubs to participate in.
Thanks for compliment on my TR4 (everybody). It is scary fast and presently does not have the suspension to handle the hp. It was my first attempt to do a mod of that magnitude. Now maybe with the Crossfire, I can get back to tweaking the Triumph...
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 44
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From: Burleson, TX
Re: Automatic transmission in a sports car!!!???
Originally Posted by Franc Rauscher
Manual Transmissions make it really hard to text message or make use of the great cup holder in this car. I'm surprised they even offered it in the US.
Memo to self,
{If you want to embrace the future you are going to have to give up sumptin' }
roadster with a stick
"the way is should be!"
Memo to self,
{If you want to embrace the future you are going to have to give up sumptin' }
roadster with a stick
"the way is should be!"
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,430
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta, GA
Re: Automatic transmission in a sports car!!!???
Originally Posted by BoilerUpXFire
ONLY reason I do not have one
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2008
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From: Atlanta, GA
Re: Automatic transmission in a sports car!!!???
Originally Posted by cdvntx
Yeah, I had to do a double take on that cup holder. Do you think the German engineer who designed it knows how many G s a cup can withstand before it goes flying?
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 8,505
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From: St Louis MO
Re: Automatic transmission in a sports car!!!???
Originally Posted by cdvntx
Yeah, I had to do a double take on that cup holder. Do you think the German engineer who designed it knows how many G s a cup can withstand before it goes flying?
roadster with a stick
"the way it should be"
Forum Regular
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 916
Likes: 5
Re: Automatic transmission in a sports car!!!???
I drive a NA Limited Coupe with the 6-speed (not for long though, trading in the Cross and picking up an '06 C55 with 32,000 miles on Saturday) and I can honestly say that for the underpowered 215hp engine of the Limited, and the heavy 3300 lb (give or take) curb weight, the manual transmission seems to really make the car seem quicker, louder, and more involving.
Now I am sure Limited Coupe owners with the auto tranny are going to bash me for saying that, but when I can rev the engine up to 5500rpms in each gear - I tend to forget that something like a Civic SI can beat me off the line, and it reminds me that I am driving a finely-tuned European sports car, not a Chrysler.
If I lived in a rural or less-populated area I would try to find another manual transmission vehicle. However, being that I am located just outside of Washington, D.C. - driving can be a hellish experience most times of the day and the stop and go traffic is no place for a manual transmission.
Additionally, the shifter is definitely notchy and has its quirks but as any 6-speed Crossfire owner knows, you come love the quirks and adapt to the clunkiness of the shifter. Also, the Crossfire (especially 2004 model year) is known for its particularly clunky first gear where sometimes the shifter will pop suddenly out of gear.
Now I am sure Limited Coupe owners with the auto tranny are going to bash me for saying that, but when I can rev the engine up to 5500rpms in each gear - I tend to forget that something like a Civic SI can beat me off the line, and it reminds me that I am driving a finely-tuned European sports car, not a Chrysler.
If I lived in a rural or less-populated area I would try to find another manual transmission vehicle. However, being that I am located just outside of Washington, D.C. - driving can be a hellish experience most times of the day and the stop and go traffic is no place for a manual transmission.
Additionally, the shifter is definitely notchy and has its quirks but as any 6-speed Crossfire owner knows, you come love the quirks and adapt to the clunkiness of the shifter. Also, the Crossfire (especially 2004 model year) is known for its particularly clunky first gear where sometimes the shifter will pop suddenly out of gear.
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2010
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From: Burleson, TX
Re: Automatic transmission in a sports car!!!???
Originally Posted by mrobinso
Additionally, the shifter is definitely notchy and has its quirks but as any 6-speed Crossfire owner knows, you come love the quirks and adapt to the clunkiness of the shifter. Also, the Crossfire (especially 2004 model year) is known for its particularly clunky first gear where sometimes the shifter will pop suddenly out of gear.
Actually, I shouldn't be so obsessive about the transmission, unless of course I get 2 SRTs. 1 to reward and baby and 1 to punish on the track. Ha!
I fully expected to see people mating their SRTs with manuals and more appearance mods. I'd like to do something to mine to make it a little more unique, but even changing the wheels, selections seem to be few...