Manual v. Automatic....
Thread Starter
Cost Drivers!!!!
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 19,392
Likes: 1
From: burbs of philly
Manual v. Automatic....
http://www.autoweek.com/cat_content...._code=00534081
At the same time BMW is trying to push 6AT in the new M5 probably to steal sales from the new e55 amg:
http://www.autoweek.com/cat_content...._code=07407679
Mazda officials tell us that is because there has been a bigger-than-anticipated rush for the highest-powered 6 with a manual (in yellow paint) and lesser interest in automatic four-cylinders.
BMW marketing execs want to include a six-speed automatic to up U.S. interest.
Suzuka Master
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 7,083
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From: Los Angeles, CA
This is how I would explain this:
The Mazda 6 is billed as a sport sedan, so naturally a large number of people will get it with the more powerful engine/tranny combo.
Many people who can afford the M5/E55 are older and wealthy, and many at that age don't want to drive a manual - Hence the auto in the next M5. Almost like the Vette selling so many auto's. SMG would be a nice alternative though
The Mazda 6 is billed as a sport sedan, so naturally a large number of people will get it with the more powerful engine/tranny combo.
Many people who can afford the M5/E55 are older and wealthy, and many at that age don't want to drive a manual - Hence the auto in the next M5. Almost like the Vette selling so many auto's. SMG would be a nice alternative though
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 1,014
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From: Illinois, USA
Originally posted by Zapata
cusdaddy,
i agreed, although i would be disappointed in a auto M5, SMG would be much prefered.
cusdaddy,
i agreed, although i would be disappointed in a auto M5, SMG would be much prefered.
am i incorrect?
Thread Starter
Cost Drivers!!!!
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 19,392
Likes: 1
From: burbs of philly
Originally posted by TL_Type_S
Why even offer an automatic since the SMG can do the same job? I'm assuming the SMG isn't as "smooth" in its own auto-mode as a traditional automatic tranny...
am i incorrect?
Why even offer an automatic since the SMG can do the same job? I'm assuming the SMG isn't as "smooth" in its own auto-mode as a traditional automatic tranny...
am i incorrect?
Agreed, i guess the article is just talking about each of the possibilities.
Old timer
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 9,224
Likes: 1
From: .
Why an auto option in the M5:
If they want to compete with Benz, they need to offer what the old, rich people want in their full-size beast-sports sedan: Power everything, luxury amenities, and of course an automatic transmission. They can't be bothered with paddle shifters and SMG, let alone a clutch pedal. When you target the elder rich, you need to appeal to them if you expect them to buy your vehicle. Since Benz sets the mark, BMW has to live up to that in order to start grabbing sales from them.
Look at the SL-55 AMG (and damn that is a sweet car... been in one in person all week at the dealership cuz the GSM's friend brought it to the Acura dealer to have us put rims and tires on it since he knows the GSM here) - automatic transmission (with paddleshifters but they are irrelevant) on a ~470hp/500-some torque car. Benz does it because that is what the clientelle want.
All you fired-up young guys out there are dying because it's not a stick, but older people with boatloads of money want ease-of-use and to just enjoy the car without exerting themselves.
In that league cars are more a status symbol than a real toy. They barely ever see redline unless it's the rare young guy with mad loot who bought it, but he'd probably buy a couple M3s instead with that money and they'd be stick or SMGII.
So again we're back to the clientelle.
If they want to compete with Benz, they need to offer what the old, rich people want in their full-size beast-sports sedan: Power everything, luxury amenities, and of course an automatic transmission. They can't be bothered with paddle shifters and SMG, let alone a clutch pedal. When you target the elder rich, you need to appeal to them if you expect them to buy your vehicle. Since Benz sets the mark, BMW has to live up to that in order to start grabbing sales from them.
Look at the SL-55 AMG (and damn that is a sweet car... been in one in person all week at the dealership cuz the GSM's friend brought it to the Acura dealer to have us put rims and tires on it since he knows the GSM here) - automatic transmission (with paddleshifters but they are irrelevant) on a ~470hp/500-some torque car. Benz does it because that is what the clientelle want.
All you fired-up young guys out there are dying because it's not a stick, but older people with boatloads of money want ease-of-use and to just enjoy the car without exerting themselves.
In that league cars are more a status symbol than a real toy. They barely ever see redline unless it's the rare young guy with mad loot who bought it, but he'd probably buy a couple M3s instead with that money and they'd be stick or SMGII.
So again we're back to the clientelle.
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