Semi-automatic is one thing. At least you're involved in controlling the
gears a lot better than you can with fully automatic transmission. And
at least the F1's used to have foot-operated clutches (which have now
been replaced by hand clutches). However, I doubt if we'll be seeing
cars like that for a while. I feel, if the choice is between fully
automatic and fully manual, I'll take the manual any day, when it comes
to sportscars.
Jim Ruwaldt
'72 TR6 CC79338U(being restored)
On Thu, 29 May 1997, Berry Kercheval wrote:
> >>>Gano, Ken said:
> > Hate to disagree, but my '84 Porsche 928 had an auto box and it was every
> > bit a sport car (as long as you don't count the power windows, power seat
> > and air conditioning)
>
> Well, I agree and disagree. Many racing cars these days have automatic
> transmissions -- or at least semi-automatic. Quite a few formula one cars,
> for isntance. It's much easier to punch a button on the steering wheel than
> to remove your hand, grope for the stick, work the clutch etc....safer too.
>
> So "real" sports cars can certainly have auto trannies.
>
> I'd not call the 928 a sports car, though. It's a high performance touring
> coupé. (Oooh, now we get the "what's a 'real' sports car" thread!)
>
> --berry
>
> Berry Kercheval :: kerch@parc.xerox.com :: Xerox Palo Alto Research Center
>
>
>
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