paddle shifting is semi-automatic transmission...
"Semi-automatic transmission, or clutchless manual transmission, is a system which uses electronic sensors, processors and actuators to do gear shifts on the command of the driver. This removes the need for a clutch pedal which the driver needs to depress before making a gear change, since the clutch itself is actuated by electronic equipment which can synchronise the timing and torque required to make gear shifts quick and smooth."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Semi-au...c_transmission

 

Okay... That means nothing to me. I was explaining to him the differences between "paddle shift" and "tiptronic" as far as the actual physical shifting aspect of it goes.

 

M5 also has one...you can get 3 series with them if you get the SMG.

Let me just say that BMW's early SMGs are the shittiest tranny I've ever felt. It literally takes 1.5-2.0 seconds to shift, where it flat out falls on it's face with the clutch engaged. What a SHITTY excuse for a tranny...if you want a manual transmission, get a real damn transmission instead of paying 3-5 grand more for that bullshit. Dont be a pussy and half ass it with that bullshit.

Apparently, the Ferrari F1 style trannys are the quickest and best...seem to shift instantaneously. I still think all or nothing with a real manual where the driver pushes in the clutch and lets it slip out himself with all control over it while selecting a gear by putting it in it's gate.

My opinion my change eventually, but for now, this is how it stands

 

sequential gearbox still has a clutch, so you can feather and slip out all day
but when your runnin like hell through the gears, its a hell of alot quicker of a shift, and you probably wouldn't put as much stress on the clutch, as minimal time as it is engaged.
thats why it would be fun, super quick, and for me different, but not crappy like an automatic, but you still have fun with the clutch, unlike a tiptronic

but, thats just my opinion

Justin

 

Just save up and buy a real sequential transmission? Now that would be bad-ass.

 

paddles are for boats
CVT FTW! uber-smooth

 

vw phaeton has the paddle shift and tiptronic. although it costs $80k.

 

That's the key right there... all of the tiptronic/sensotronic/sportshift/blah blah transmissions may have paddles, buttons, or a flippy shifter, but they're still transfering power through a sloppy torque converter and planetary gearset. F1, SMG, Cambiocorsa, and eGear all use a real manual transmission with separate gears and a clutch/flywheel/pressure plate, but they add a few extra levers and electronics to operate the shifts. The transmission and associated mechanical components in my F1 equipped car are identical to the parts in the same car equipped with a shifter and 3 pedals. At 6'5" though, the shift lever hits my knee in 1st and 2nd gear and there's no room for my feet in the footwell, which is why I went with the F1. I still prefer a 3 pedal car, but the F1 system is pretty damn cool.

-R

 

Yup, comes in handy during those OH SH!T I'M GONNA DIE moments when trying to brake, downshift, and steer your way through the blind corner when you thought 100mph was a good entry speed

-R