I’ve driven manual cars, including a 328i for many years. I loved that 6 speed. But it was engaging because it was a mechanical necessity. Faking this entire experience seems absurd. It would be like adding vestigial pedals to a jet pack because you also happen to like riding bikes.
I’ll reserve my judgement until I try one. I’ve had my Porsche 914 for 20 years, and have had a plethora of other manuals alongside it. I am skeptical, but willing to hope the experience can be emulated.
When my engine finally blows, I’ll consider a conversion to electric for the old girl.
I don’t see how it can be worthwhile without a clutch pedal though since that is the heart of the manual experience. This is just adding a handheld input that modifies the accelerator response in a way that seems to mimic the quirks of an entirely different mechanical system (that being the paddle style shifters of automatic transmissions, not actual manuals). These at least served some purpose by giving the driver more control over shift points. Now imagine you never drove a manual or used paddle shifters in the first place, which is becoming the norm.
Correct, I have not. But I also doubt Ford is intending to specifically copy the niche VW autostick from 50 years ago to appeal to such hypothetical customers. This is all getting a bit silly, we barely even have sedans and stations wagons anymore, we practically lost physical buttons and are stuck with privacy invading software, but somehow this silliness makes the cut?
Dude. If they’re trying, at least it’s an effort to have both worlds. It won’t happen on the first few gens. But if a visceral analog for shifting comes about, I’ll be happy.
As for the rest, I agree. I prefer analog and bare bones. I can fix my Porsche by myself. I can fix my Delica by myself. I only own cars I can work on. But I hold out hope that we can have both progress and driving enjoyment.
The feel of driving manual is more visceral and enjoyable to car enthusiasts. If that’s not you, there’s no point.
I’ve driven manual cars, including a 328i for many years. I loved that 6 speed. But it was engaging because it was a mechanical necessity. Faking this entire experience seems absurd. It would be like adding vestigial pedals to a jet pack because you also happen to like riding bikes.
I’ll reserve my judgement until I try one. I’ve had my Porsche 914 for 20 years, and have had a plethora of other manuals alongside it. I am skeptical, but willing to hope the experience can be emulated.
When my engine finally blows, I’ll consider a conversion to electric for the old girl.
I don’t see how it can be worthwhile without a clutch pedal though since that is the heart of the manual experience. This is just adding a handheld input that modifies the accelerator response in a way that seems to mimic the quirks of an entirely different mechanical system (that being the paddle style shifters of automatic transmissions, not actual manuals). These at least served some purpose by giving the driver more control over shift points. Now imagine you never drove a manual or used paddle shifters in the first place, which is becoming the norm.
I take it you never drove a VW autostick.
Correct, I have not. But I also doubt Ford is intending to specifically copy the niche VW autostick from 50 years ago to appeal to such hypothetical customers. This is all getting a bit silly, we barely even have sedans and stations wagons anymore, we practically lost physical buttons and are stuck with privacy invading software, but somehow this silliness makes the cut?
Dude. If they’re trying, at least it’s an effort to have both worlds. It won’t happen on the first few gens. But if a visceral analog for shifting comes about, I’ll be happy.
As for the rest, I agree. I prefer analog and bare bones. I can fix my Porsche by myself. I can fix my Delica by myself. I only own cars I can work on. But I hold out hope that we can have both progress and driving enjoyment.